The seminar Education in Germany targets active U.S. teachers from all types of schools and from all relevant teaching areas. It is administered by the German-American Fulbright Commission in Berlin in close cooperation with a German university.
This professional development seminar offers participants the opportunity to gain insight into the German education system with the goal of enriching their own teaching and fostering transatlantic dialogue. The program seeks to provide new perspectives on education and enhancing cultural understanding, including a comparative look at both the U.S. and the German educational systems and societies. As a result of the participants’ experience in Germany, their school communities will be able to strengthen their own global awareness and become a prominent member of the world-wide Fulbright network.
The participants receive an overview of the contemporary German school and higher education system. The seminar also analyses the recent educational reforms as a result of private and public sector demands for skilled workforce in the context of global competition.
The syllabus places emphasis on ensuring good practices and raising standards in teacher education. It also covers current issues such as the growing diversity of the student population and the refugee situation in Germany and Europe. Moreover, participants are invited to experience the importance of the dual education model first-hand by visiting a vocational school and a local company, taking into account that Germany’s vocational sector is a cornerstone to its economic success.
The above topics will be covered in lectures, panel discussions and by visiting schools – primary and different types of secondary schools: The participants will experience every day school life, learn about the schools’ interaction with the community as well as their inclusion and internationalization strategies. There will be many opportunities to meet with German colleagues, administrators, students to share personal experience and professional expertise.
The award covers round-trip transportation from the U.S. to Germany and the costs of the program in Germany, including hotel accommodation (single rooms with breakfast), local transportation, excursions, several meals and health insurance during the seminar. Participants may extend their stay in Germany at their own expense.
The seminar is open to primary and secondary school teachers of all subjects and from all public and private primary and secondary schools in the U.S. The program is conducted in English.
The program will not be offered in 2023. Further information on when the seminar will resume will be available here in due time.
