A life's work for education: Professor Wittkowske in focus!

A life's work for education: Professor Wittkowske in focus!

Professor Dr. Steffen Wittkowske, a prominent player in the field of education, is celebrating more than 40 years of professional experience in public service this year. His career is characterized by a deep passion for educational sciences. After completing his teaching degree in biology and chemistry at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Wittkowske worked in school practice for several years. In 1986 he received his doctorate in “Health Education” from the PH Dresden. Between 1990 and 1992 he worked in teacher training and at the Institute for Primary School Teacher Training at the PH Dresden.

His career then took him to the Technical University of Dresden as a research assistant for elementary school didactics and subject teaching. In 2003 he took up a university professorship for didactics of subject teaching at the University of Vechta and has headed the “School Catering Competence Center” since 2014. He was awarded the “Golden Plate of Science” for his outstanding achievements and contributions to nutrition and consumer education.

Academic achievements and publications

Wittkowske has published important monographs and editorial works that deal with topics in subject matter teaching and environmental education. These include titles such as *Subject matter teaching today - between interdisciplinary demands and traditional subject reference* (1996) and *Handbook Didactics of Subject Matter Teaching* (2022), in which he describes the strategic developments in didactics together with other experts. He has also published numerous textbooks and school materials for primary schools that focus on practice-oriented approaches.

• *Ökologisierung des Lernortes Schule*, Bad Heilbrunn: Julius Klinkhardt, 2001
• *Fachdidaktiken als praktische Wissenschaften*, Bad Heilbrunn: Julius Klinkhardt, 2010
• *Essen und Ernährung. Herausforderungen für Schule und Bildung*, Bad Heilbrunn: Julius Klinkhardt, 2017

These publications reflect his committed attitude to the integration of education, environmental awareness and social responsibility. In 2025, Wittkowske plans to publish a new work on sustainable nutrition education.

Insight into the German education system

Wittkowske's work is not only limited to the individual level, but also contributes to the further development of the education system in Germany. The German education system is highly structured and offers numerous courses. After primary school, students can switch to secondary level I, where they can choose between secondary school, secondary school and high school education. These structures are summarized annually as part of a national dossier by the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs and prepared for interested bodies abroad.

The education system in Germany is dynamic and subject to constant changes shaped by demographic trends and new professional requirements. Teacher training also faces modern challenges in order to ensure the qualifications and preparation of teachers for future educational tasks. This is coordinated by various institutions such as the Federal Institute for Vocational Training (BIBB) and the Conference of Ministers of Education, which provide relevant information and document developments.

Professor Dr. Steffen Wittkowske is not only an example of a long career in education, but also of continuous research and development within this system. His work and commitment not only promote the education of future generations, but also the understanding of the importance of education within society.