German Startup Fills Teacher Gaps by Bringing Real-Life Experts to Schools

Frustrated by empty classrooms? One entrepreneur turned lesson cancellations into an opportunity—now experts are stepping in where teachers can’t. Here’s how it works.

, and Administrator

2026 January 7 . 3:20 PM

1 min read

This Image is clicked in a classroom where there is a blackboard on the right side and women is... — This Image is clicked in a classroom where there is a blackboard on the right side and women is writing on that blackboard. There are Windows in the middle. There is a light on the top. There are tables and chairs, on the table there are books ,water bottles and on the chairs children are sitting near that tables.

German Startup Fills Teacher Gaps by Bringing Real-Life Experts to Schools

A German startup called LifeTeachUs is tackling the issue of teacher shortages and cancelled classes by bringing in outside experts. Founded by Ludwig Thiede, the initiative connects professionals with schools to fill gaps in the timetable. The idea first took shape a decade ago when Thiede, then a student, grew frustrated with frequent lesson cancellations.

Thiede launched LifeTeachUs to teach practical life skills in schools. The platform uses an app that lets schools book sessions with local experts during free periods or unexpected cancellations. So far, around 300 German schools have partnered with the startup.

The latest project, Fit for Life, is a joint effort between LifeTeachUs, IHK North Westphalia, and the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of Education. After a successful pilot in Münster, the programme now plans to expand across the country. Professionals from various fields visit classrooms to share real-world knowledge, helping students gain skills beyond the standard curriculum.

The Fit for Life programme aims to grow nationwide, offering schools a flexible way to cover missing lessons. With 300 schools already involved, LifeTeachUs provides a practical solution to teacher shortages while giving students access to diverse expertise.