AllMovie

In order to become a teacher in Germany, the legal apprenticeship must be properly completed after the theoretical study. A fire test that puts the teachers in a contradictory position: they teach while they are still learning. They assign grades, while they are graded on their part. Between interviewees, parents' admittance, intrigues in the teacher's room, and examining, the ideals of the candidates are put to the test. BETWEEN THE CHAIRS accompanies three of them on their stony path to the exam. The multi-award-winning documentary provides a sensitive and humorous look behind the scenes of the school system, and also raises the question of what kind of society we want to live in.