The ZSL is a higher state authority within the education administration and provides the institutional framework for a research-based, centrally managed training, professional development and support system focused on teaching quality for all general and vocational schools in Baden-Württemberg.

The ZSL comprises the headquarters in Stuttgart, six regional offices and five additional branch offices. Each regional office provides services for all schools and everyone involved in school life in a specific region. Each regional office has a location where the management and coordination staff are based.