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Continuing education and international affairs

Democracy education

Veranstaltungsreihe Schule in Demokratie

 

In the summer semester 2026 and winter semester 2026/27, the Center for Teacher Training and Educational Research invites all student teachers and (prospective) teachers to the event series "School in Democracy - How Neutral Must a Teacher Be?". The events are offered as part of the DiversiTeach Siegen and LehramtPLUS project and take place in presence and/or online. Details on participation can be found in the event descriptions below. If you have any questions about the series of events, please get in touch with the contact persons at the ZLB listed below.

 

Events in the summer semester 2026

Wednesday, April 29
18:00-20:30
Presence/Online
All interested parties

On the democratic mission of schools and education

Kick-off event with a lecture by Prof.' Dr.' Bettina Lösch (University of Cologne)

The event introduces the topic of the event series. At the beginning, participants will have the opportunity to reflect on their attitudes and prior knowledge of democracy education in schools. Ms. Lösch's presentation will then address the question of how democratic foundations and principles can be responsibly represented, communicated and institutionally safeguarded in everyday education. The controversy surrounding the neutrality of education and the "Beutelsbach Consensus" will also play a central role. The aim is to lay a theoretical foundation for dealing with current challenges that threaten democracy."

Registration for students is possible via unisono: Link to unisono

Registration for all other interested parties is possible by e-mail to diversiteach@zlb.uni-siegen.de
is possible.

Online participation in Ms. Lösch's lecture from 18:45 is possible via Webex. You will receive the corresponding link by e-mail request to diversiteach@zlb.uni-siegen.de.

You will receive the certificates of attendance after the event by e-mail request to diversiteach@zlb.uni-siegen.de. Participation can be credited with 3 AE for the LehramtPLUS certificate
can be credited.

Friday, June 12
14:00-20:00
Presence
Students/(prospective) teachers

A clear edge instead of speechlessness: "neutrality requirement" and school

Theater pedagogical workshop with Pierre Stoltenfeldt (theater pedagogue Apollo-Theater Siegen)

Who doesn't know the gnawing insecurity, especially at the start of a career? As a teacher, am I allowed to express my own opinion in class or do I have to remain "neutral"? How do I react when students, colleagues or parents express polemic, polarizing or inhumane positions? What does neutrality really mean in the context of school?

In this educational theater workshop, we will take a playful and practical look at the "neutrality requirement" and the associated doubts, fears and gray areas of being a teacher. Together we will explore burning questions: How much attitude can - or must - I show? Where are the legal boundaries (not)? And how do I overcome speechlessness in difficult situations? After an introduction to the content, we will work on specific scenarios from everyday school life using forum theater (Augusto Boal) and improvisational theater: a pupil shouts right-wing slogans in the playground, parents address the teacher about her political stance, a colleague complains about "left-wing indoctrination" among the teaching staff - participants can bring in their own experiences, concerns and observations at any time. In an open, appreciative and performance-free space, we try out options for action together, reflect on the effects and develop the courage and confidence to take a stand and overcome speechlessness. Legal principles serve as orientation.

The workshop is aimed at prospective teachers who want more confidence, clarity and room for maneuver when dealing with political and social issues in the school context. The workshop will be led by Pierre Stoltenfeldt, theater educator at the Apollo Theater and the Bruchwerk Theater, who has been working for many years with different age groups on drama, improvisational theater and social issues.

Registration for students is possible up to 1 week before the event via unisono: Link to unisono

Registration for non-students is possible by e-mail to lehramtplus@zlb.uni-siegen.de
is possible. Places are limited (max. 20 participants).

You will receive the certificates of participation after the event by e-mail request to lehramtplus@zlb.uni-siegen.de. Participation can be credited with 8 AE for the LehramtPLUS certificate
can be credited.

Wednesday, June 24
18:00-20:30
Presence
Students/(prospective) teachers

Showing attitude and being neutral in schools - how do they go together?

Practical school workshop with Manfred Diekenbrock (GEW education officer, former teacher)

The news about wars and conflicts between states and within society is threatening. At the same time, many teachers are worried about speaking out on political issues in the classroom. This event is about the neutrality required of teachers, whose work must be fair and open to different opinions. What does it mean in practice when the Education Act "does not tolerate any political, religious, ideological or similar expressions" that "endanger or disturb the neutrality of the country or the peace of the school"? How can teachers defend democracy, reject racism and anti-Semitism without violating the required neutrality? What is meant when the "Beutelsbach Consensus" emphasizes the controversial nature of political education? The workshop offered is intended to help clarify these and other questions. In addition to legal and pedagogical principles, numerous practical examples will serve as illustrative aids.

Registration for students is possible via unisono: Link to unisono

Registration for non-students is possible via e-mail to diversiteach@zlb.uni-siegen.de
is possible. Places are limited (max. 25 participants).

You will receive the certificates of participation after the event by e-mail request to diversiteach@zlb.uni-siegen.de. Participation can be credited with 3 AE for the LehramtPLUS certificate
can be credited.

Organizational details

To register for the courses, please follow the instructions above.

Student teachers can have the courses with the specified work units credited for the LehramtPLUS certificate
certificate.

The series of events will be continued in the winter semester 2026/27 with further lectures, workshops and a final event.

Event offer within the framework of:

DiversiTeach Logo

Contact:
Ulf Krippendorf
Room: SSC 210
Phone: 0271 / 740-3984
Email: krippendorf@zlb.uni-siegen.de

LehramtPLUS Logo

Contact:
Anna Majda
Room: SSC 227
Phone: 0271 / 740-4542
E-mail: majda@zlb.uni-siegen.de