Students on the Campus of Jena University

Centre for Teacher Training and Educational Research

of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena

Students on the Campus of Jena University

Image: Christoph Worsch (University of Jena)

The Centre for Teacher Training and Educational Research (German acronym: ZLB) is the central institution for all matters relating to teacher training at the University of Jena. The Centre offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary range of information and advice on the practical semester and teacher training for approximately 3.000 future teachers (as of October 2024). As a link between all relevant academic disciplines, it is an important partner for all faculties involved in the teacher training.

As an academic institution of the University of Jena, the Centre manages and coordinates the interdisciplinary aspects of teacher training in consultation with the nine faculties involved in teacher training and the central institutions of the University. It is the interface between all stakeholders involved in the teacher education and training – such as ministries, universities, study seminars of the second phase of teacher training at schools and schools involved in the training process of future teachers.

In addition, the Centre supports projects in the field of the promotion of young talents, teacher training and school research, as well as the internationalisation of teacher training itself.

The Jena Model of Teacher Education

The Jena Model of Teacher Education is characterised by a high degree of practical orientation. It includes a practical introductory internship and enables students to gain practical experience in teaching during a full semester at a school during their studies.

The programme has a modular structure, i.e. it consists of teaching units that combine lectures, seminars, exercises, tutorials, etc. At the end of the programme, students receive the First State Examination Degree, which is equivalent to a Master's Degree.