The international developments of globalization and demographic changes of an aging society have
led to new concepts of teacher education since the beginning of the 21st century. Currently, the
debate pertaining vocational teacher training focuses on two issues: 1) Firstly, reform is necessary
because of structural and curricular changes, further professionalization and quality development
of vocational teacher training as part of the measures imposed by the Bologna. 2) Secondly, given
the scope of a profound socio-demographic transformation process, the focus of attention is shifting
onto the acute needs for teachers in scarce subjects of personal care services as well as MINT
professions within the professional vocational disciplines of teacher training. The following article
outlines key reforms and developments in vocational teacher education in Germany and Europe
on the following points: 1) Structures and university centers of teacher education in Germany
2) Curriculum development and didactic approaches in teacher training 3) Requirements on
competencies and professionalization in teacher training.