After a few days of sharing with fellow teachers from different countries, I found concerns that bring us closer, and various ideas and proposals that are hopeful for a horizon where the material and immaterial conditions of educational practice are dignified, fair, and caring for all educational communities.
The UNITE Summer School "Well-Being in the Teaching Profession: International Perspectives", held from 26 to 30 August 2024 at the University of Cologne, brought together 83 students, teacher educators, and schoolteachers from 21 universities across 17 countries.
Hosted by the Centre for Teacher Education and the Department of International Mobility, in collaboration with EUniWell and teff Academy, the event provided a dynamic platform to explore the importance of well-being in education. Throughout the week, participants engaged in thoughtful discussions and collaborative learning, exchanging ideas about the role of well-being in schools worldwide.
Why Well-Being Matters
The Summer School’s opening was marked by an inspiring keynote from Prof. Dr. Beatrix Busse, Vice-Rector for Teaching and Studies at the University of Cologne. She emphasized the need for a multi-dimensional approach to well-being, saying that “by embracing well-being as our guiding ambition and placing it at the heart of our strategy, we are embracing complexity, excellence, and sense-making”. Prof. Dr. Busse also underscored that “well-being thus becomes an integral thread of the future, synchronising economic growth, climate action, technological innovation, digital transformation, and first-class lifelong education at all levels”.
Workshops and School Visits
The event featured 15 workshops covering subjects such as well-being skills for student teachers, outdoor education, and creating inspiring learning environments. Facilitated by lecturers from the University of Cologne and partner institutions, the sessions offered participants valuable insights into how well-being is supported in different countries.
One of the most memorable experiences for many was the third day’s visits to primary and secondary schools. Participants, guided by University of Cologne staff and students, had the opportunity to attend lessons in various subjects and engage with teachers and students who offered a first-hand glimpse into the German education system. Both visitors and host schools alike found the exchange deeply enriching, with many citing the school visits as a highlight of the week.
Innovative Solutions for Global Challenges
During the final two days, participants were tasked with applying what they had learned during the week in an Educathon - a collaborative Design Thinking session aimed at addressing some of the key challenges faced by teachers and students worldwide. Six teams worked intensively to develop creative solutions, presented through rapid-fire pitches in front of a jury. This innovative exercise promoted creative problem-solving and highlighted the power of collaboration.
Beyond the Classroom
In addition to the academic program, the Summer School created connections through gatherings, including a welcome barbecue, outdoor get-togethers, and a dinner at a local brewery. These events gave participants the chance to form lasting friendships and immerse themselves in the cultural richness of Cologne.
The Summer School is part of the project UNITE Cologne and organised in collaboration with EUniWell, teff Academy and our partner universities from across the globe.
It took place in Cologne (Germany) and was aimed at student teachers of all subjects enrolled in either Bachelor's or Master's degree programmes at one of our UNITE, EUniWell or teff partner universities.
