Senior Buddies
The Senior Buddies of the Education Labs have been working with children for more than 40 years and Working with teenagers at school. The joys and concerns of young people have shaped the way they interact with them. They would like to share their experiences as volunteers share this with interested colleagues.
How can you apply their experiences to your own situation?
Through her workshops and personal mentoring programs, you’ll have the opportunity to work with the Senior Buddies .
Workshops
Twice per semester this school year, you can take part in an interactive afternoon with one of our Senior Buddies participate. The focus is on new perspectives, Working together to try things out, reflect, and share ideas about whatever is being offered Topic. You’re also welcome to bring specific questions and concerns.
The upcoming dates can be found below as well as on our Events page. They are happy to Senior Buddies We’ll take your preferences into account when selecting future topics.
Mentoring
Sometimes it helps to discuss a specific challenge with someone who is has many years of experience to draw on. Maybe you’re looking for new ideas or would like to Look at a situation from a new perspective. Our Senior Buddies are happy to discuss this with you. You’re also welcome to bring additional Bring anyone who’s interested!
Contact one of the buddiesto set up a meetup at the Education Lab (possibly online as well). A visit to your school or classroom can also be discussed.
Upcoming Workshop Dates
The Senior Buddies
Profiles — Here you can learn more about the Senior Buddies’ individual experiences, skills, and areas of expertise .
Ruth Bulant, Certified Educator, Elementary School
44 years of experience as a classroom teacher in elementary school, 2 years as a school administrator, experience as a mentor supporting students and as a lecturer, certified parent coach
- Areas of Focus: Holistic Learning, Self-Directed Learning, Character Development, Conflict Resolution and Nonviolent Communication (NVC), Theater and Drama Education, Storytelling, Effective Parent Engagement
- To me, education means embarking on a shared journey with curiosity and passion, discovering one’s own strengths, and “flourishing” through meaningful, lifelong learning.
- What I ‘ve learned from my long career: A person who guides children and young people along this path, who pays attention to them and supports them, can make all the difference
- What defines me as a person: openness, enthusiasm, authenticity, curiosity, and a sense of humor
Ilse Nedomansky, BEd, Certified Educator, SEK 1
Nearly 40 years of experience working with 9th-grade students (PTS/FMS), including 6 years at a progressive secondary school (SEK 1) with an inclusive program
- Focus Areas: German (as a second language), career guidance, personal development, values education, conflict resolution and Nonviolent Communication (NVC), fostering a love of learning (learning how to learn), sparking curiosity, and promoting personal responsibility
- To me, education means: learning together, the ability to think critically and recognize one’s own strengths, and never stopping to develop them further
- What I’ve learned from my long career is this: Children and young people need one thing above all else—someone who listens and pays attention, who offers guidance without being overbearing—in other words, a role model who is approachable.
- What defines me as a person: Openness, authenticity, a love of learning, curiosity, humor, and individuality
Ingrid Teufel
Over 40 years of experience working with students, pre-service teachers, and teachers. Design and implementation of a public, inclusive school for children of all ability levels from 1st through 8th (9th) grade.
- Focus Areas: Empowering Children and Youth (www.jedeskindstärken.at, www.jugendstärken.at, www.permateach.at), Holistic, Interdisciplinary Learning, Focus on the future,…
- As a teacher, education means to me that I teach and learn in harmony with others, with empathy and presence, and that we continue to learn together so that we can all contribute to a successful future.
- What I have learned from my long professional career is this: relationships are the foundation of personal fulfillment, and for me, they are the most important basic psychological need and the foundation for the other two: autonomy and competence.
- What defines me as a person: authenticity, openness, a love of learning, creativity, a sense of humor, dedication, and a commitment to shaping a successful future.
Marlene Walter, Certified Educator
44 years as a homeroom teacher at an elementary school, 25 years as a practicum instructor, adjunct instructor in continuing education (teacher training college), author of teaching materials (reading, writing) and textbooks for German language instruction, and member of the reading group at the Vienna Department of Education
- Focus areas: child-centered instruction, a love of learning as the foundation, gentle reading instruction, individualized writing from the very beginning, writing as an expression of personality, inspiring children
- To me, education means: treating people with respect, knowing your own strengths and using them to help others, and maintaining curiosity and a willingness to learn
- What I’ve learned from my long career: We can make a big difference in school! Give every child a sense of accomplishment; children thrive through care, encouragement, and support; enjoying one’s work leads to optimal development; strong children are happy and motivated
- What defines me as a person: concern for children, optimism, a willingness to learn, enthusiasm, vision, inspiring others, and the persistent pursuit of ideas
Contact
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