A teacher from North Rhine-Westphalia who has not taught for nearly 17 years has filed a lawsuit at the Administrative Court in Düsseldorf to challenge her forced retirement. The legal action, which was received by the court on June 29, 2026, marks the latest development in a case that has drawn significant attention from state politicians and the public, according to WELT.
Background and Current Status
The teacher, identified as a 62-year-old Studienrätin, served at a vocational college in Wesel. While she was active at the school between 2003 and 2009, she has not performed any teaching duties since 2009. Following her departure from the classroom, she submitted repeated medical certificates, remaining on the payroll throughout the duration of her absence. Reports indicate she receives a monthly salary ranging between 5,051 and 6,174 euros according to salary scales, as noted by BILD.
The Bezirksregierung Düsseldorf, which serves as the responsible regulatory authority, eventually ordered the teacher’s transition into retirement at the end of May 2026. This decision followed an official medical examination, which included an assessment by a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy. The examination concluded that the teacher’s ability to return to service was not foreseeable within a six-month period. By forcing her into retirement, the government intends to shift her from full salary to a pension, which would represent a reduction of approximately 1,500 to 2,000 euros in gross monthly income.
Legal Proceedings and Financial Implications
The teacher is currently contesting the retirement order through her legal counsel. As the case proceeds, the administrative process requires the Bezirksregierung Düsseldorf to submit relevant files and provide an official statement regarding the lawsuit. According to court officials, it is not yet clear when a final decision will be reached.
A significant point of contention is the continued payment of the teacher’s full salary. Until a final ruling is issued by the court, the state is required to continue paying the teacher her full monthly wages. Because the legal process is expected to take many weeks, the total financial impact on the state remains uncertain, as reported by n-tv.de.
Criminal Investigation and Allegations
Parallel to the administrative dispute, the teacher is the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation by the public prosecutor’s office in Duisburg. Authorities are investigating suspicions that she may have feigned her inability to work. In March 2026, investigators conducted a search of her apartment, during which they seized documents and electronic data carriers deemed to be of evidentiary value.
The investigation into potential fraud stems from allegations that the teacher worked as a naturopath during the period she was officially listed as sick. Furthermore, reports indicate that in 2011, the teacher and a business partner participated in a competition with a hand cream they developed, winning third place and a 5,000 euro prize. It is also noted that the teacher allegedly participated in a startup competition in 2012.
Administrative Accountability
The case has prompted internal scrutiny regarding how such a prolonged absence occurred without earlier intervention. Investigations are underway regarding the teacher’s conduct, as well as separate disciplinary proceedings involving an employee of the Bezirksregierung Düsseldorf who was responsible for the oversight of her case. As the legal and disciplinary processes continue, the presumption of innocence applies to all parties involved, as stated by Spiegel.
The court has not provided a timeline for when a decision might be expected, leaving the teacher’s employment status in flux while the state prepares its defense.
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