Hamburg strengthens schools: New school management and training programs!

Hamburg strengthens schools: New school management and training programs!

Something is happening in the school landscape in Hamburg. The city welcomes new principals and deputy principals at 353 state schools every month. These fresh faces not only bring new ideas, but also a breath of fresh air into school development. In May, numerous personnel appointments were approved, including several new school principals:

• Johannes Bogenschneider an der Schule Burgunderweg in Niendorf
• Uta Dirks an der Aueschule in Finkenwerder
• Sylvia Sayah an der Schule Rönnkamp in Schnelsen
• Jessica Wiese an der Schule Am Schleemer Park in Billstedt
• Anke Milla an der Schule Ochsenwerder
• Björn Werner Kutz am Charlotte-Paulsen-Gymnasium in Wandsbek
• Anke Käding an der Luisen-Gymnasium in Bergedorf

Deputy principals who will also offer support in their schools include Christina Kleinow at the Louise Schroeder School in Altona-Altstadt and Florian Schultz at the Horn elementary school. The diversity of leadership personalities is reflected in the new appointments and gives hope for a dynamic development of Hamburg's school landscape. Hamburg.de reports on the current situation.

New leadership development program

With the growing need for primary schools due to the increasing number of students, 13 new primary schools were founded in Hamburg. In order to do justice to this development, the qualification program “Primary school ahead – shape.learn.together” was launched. 18 primary school teachers were trained for leadership roles. The initiators of this program are the Alfred Toepfer Foundation, Heraeus Education Foundation and the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS. The program ensures that the next generation of school leaders is well prepared and can be seen as a key to improving education in primary schools. Heraeus Educational Foundation highlights that almost half of the first year are already working in school management.

According to School Senator Ksenija Bekeris, leadership development in primary schools is crucial. The second year of the program will begin next year, starting on July 3, 2024. The training includes three modules, which include academy days, networking events and practical projects.

Mandatory training for managers

In Hamburg, participation in training for school management staff is now mandatory. The basic training “New in Office” is aimed at newly appointed head teachers and ensures that they are optimally prepared for their role. The training lasts three years and includes a variety of modules that deal with school management, conversation management and conflict management. An interesting facet of this training is the portfolio discussion, which must be approved by the responsible school supervisory authority. LI Hamburg describes how individual training plans are created for each new manager.

The new generation of school leaders being trained shows enormous commitment and a willingness to take on responsibility. The challenges, such as the strategic design of schools and the implementation of a positive error culture, are considered part of their new mission. These elements are crucial to promote an open and transparent school culture that ultimately benefits students.

The developments in Hamburg point to an exciting change that brings fresh approaches and innovative ideas into the school world. So it remains to be hoped that these new school principals and their continuing education programs will enrich not only the schools, but the entire school landscape in the Hanseatic city!