Excellent professional training and support for STEM teachers

Anna Pargent works as a part-time teacher at the University of Bayreuth and teaches at a secondary school in Bayreuth. She herself studied to become a teacher in Bayreuth and at the same time completed the Elite Master's degree programme STEM Teaching PLUS in the first year. She is now doing her doctorate on the subject of "Education for Sustainable Development" in mathematics didactics and has thus got to know the teacher training programme at the UBT from a variety of perspectives.

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the University of Bayreuth?

Anna Pargent: The familiar campus atmosphere. All the buildings are close to each other and there are numerous beautiful corners, such as the botanical garden or the outdoor workspaces, that invite you to linger. Especially as a student teacher, you also come into contact with students from other degree programmes and faculties through joint courses.

Which event from your student days do you have special memories of?

I have particularly fond memories of studying together with my fellow students. We spent a lot of time together, laughed a lot and always had a lot of fun - especially at the student council parties. I made some friends for life at the University of Bayreuth.

Looking back, would you choose the University of Bayreuth again? Why?

Any time! The various preliminary courses and events organised by the student councils make it easy to start studying. This means that you can quickly find your way around the university even without any previous contact with it.

There are many ways to get involved at the University of Bayreuth: Be it in numerous university groups, working groups and initiatives or the student parliament. Here I had the opportunity to play a decisive role in shaping campus life, for example by setting up the departmental teaching programme together with others. As a spokesperson for technology, the environment and student union issues, I initiated the Climate Week and helped to ensure that the cafeteria offering was adapted to the needs of students.

Sustainability also plays a decisive role in Bayreuth, which is reflected in various innovative degree programmes or various measures on the way to becoming a "Green Campus"!

What makes the STEM teaching degree programme at the University of Bayreuth so attractive?

At the University of Bayreuth, the grammar school teaching degree keeps all paths open for as long as possible, as you first complete a Bachelor of Science with a specialisation in your chosen major subject. This makes it easier to switch to a specialised Master's degree programme and also keeps a further path open after graduation if the teaching profession is not the right one after all.

During the degree programme, students receive excellent specialist training and support. There is a special opportunity to specialise at various chairs, particularly as part of MINT-Lehramt PLUS. In this special additional study programme, you can develop your didactic, professional and personal skills. This has also positively accompanied and enriched me on my further path as a teacher at the school.