Education in Berlin is rigorous and careeroriented. In addition to the six hours per day they spend in school, most students devote several hours to doing homework. Beginning at grade seven, students choose from among several types of secondary schools where they will get specialized training based on their abilities and career goals. And while schools are demanding, students have reason to expect high performance on the part of their teachers.

Berlin's Teachers

The teaching profession is highly respected in Berlin and teachers are well paid. They earn this respect and high pay by going through lengthy and rigorous training. Prospective teachers attend a teacher's college for four or five years. After graduating, successfully completing student teaching, and passing the state's certification test, novice teachers then work for two years as apprentices. With advanced training and passage of a second state certification exam, teachers...