The "DiversiTeach" project is a cooperation between the teacher training universities in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the NRW Migrant Teachers Network. The aim of the project is to anchor migration education topics more firmly in teacher training courses and to offer students appropriate opportunities for reflection and further training, particularly in the context of their practical phases. The topics covered include, for example, multilingualism as a beneficial resource, school and lesson development that is critical of racism and the use of teaching materials that are critical of discrimination.

The aim is to give student teachers the opportunity to reflect on their first practical school experiences and observations in a theory-based way using migration education approaches. In this way, students should be sensitized to issues and challenges of migration education in schools and teaching. The central topic for schools in the migration society is also to be sustainably established in teacher training and anchored in the curriculum in this way. The "DiversiTeach" project was first introduced in the winter semester 2021/2022; eight teacher training universities are currently participating in the project.

Workshop "Transcultural competence and sensitivity to discrimination"
on November 21/22, 2025 from 14:30-18:30 or 9:30-15:00

Speaker: Sarah Saf (Trainer for Intercultural & Transcultural Competencies, Diversity & Inclusion)
In educational institutions, it is often assumed that special skills and (cultural) knowledge are required in order to respond adequately to migrants and their descendants - even though this assumption is increasingly being critically questioned. This workshop takes a reflective approach to the need to acquire knowledge and skills through short theoretical inputs, practical case studies from the school sector, reflection sessions and open discussion rounds. The focus is not explicitly on the "cultures of immigrants", but rather on an awareness of different notions of normality and influences - which can be both collectively and individually influenced - and their significance for the school context. In addition, the development of sensitivity to discrimination through the examination of institutional framework conditions, discrimination practices and hegemonic migration discourses is of immense importance. This will be a further focus of the workshop - taking into account the diverse perspectives of parents, teachers and pupils with and without a migration background. The workshop is intended to open up a shared space for learning, reflection and experience and is designed for students with and without a migration background. Registration for the event is possible via unisono.

Event "Collegial counseling - school challenges and perspectives for children and young people with a migration background/experience of flight" on July 8, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Speaker: Zohra Soori-Nurzad (founder of "Stitching for School and Life e.V.", trainee teacher)
Children and young people with migration or refugee experience often face major hurdles when entering the German school system: Language barriers, cultural differences and a lack of prior knowledge make integration difficult. The presentation will shed light on these challenges from an educational perspective and provide practical ideas on how teachers and educational staff can build bridges through culturally sensitive action and targeted support. This will be followed by a peer-to-peer exchange in which experiences will be shared and concrete solutions discussed. The aim is to develop a deeper understanding of the reality of pupils' lives and to promote integration in the long term.
Registration for the event is possible via unisono.

Workshop "Intercultural conflict resolution" on 24.01.2025

Speaker: Sarah Saf (qualified social pedagogue, trainer & coach for intercultural skills, social justice and diversity)
Registration for the workshop and further information can be found in unisono.

Lecture "Diversity sensitivity in society and educational institutions" on 20.11.2024

Speaker: Prof. Dr. Karim Fereidooni (Ruhr-Universität Bochum) Lecture series "Demokratische Schule - Schule in der Demokratie"
On November 20, Prof. Dr. Karim Fereidooni will give a lecture as part of the public lecture series "Demokratische Schule - Schule in der Demokratie" for all interested students, teachers and (prospective) teachers. Details of the event can be found on the following website: Lecture series "Democratic School - School in Democracy"

In addition to the ZLB of the University of Siegen, the following cooperation partners are involved in the DiversiTeach project:

• Network of migrant teachers NRW
• Professional School of Education, Ruhr University Bochum
• Bielefeld School of Education, Bielefeld University
• Center for Teacher Education, University of Duisburg-Essen
• Center for Teacher Education, University of Cologne
• PLAZ - Professional School of Education, University of Paderborn
• Bonn Center for Teacher Education, University of Bonn
• Teacher Training Center, RWTH Aachen University

The DiversiTeach courses and events are organized by student teachers, lecturers and ZLB staff. If you are interested in joining the DiversiTeach team, please contact us. We are always open to new team members!

Student assistants in the DiversiTeach project:

Melisa Göksen
Student teacher at elementary school

Semih Mandirali
Student teaching at grammar schools and comprehensive schools

The DiversiTeach Siegen team can be reached at the following shared e-mail address: diversiteach@zlb.uni-siegen.de