Building blocks of education

How can schools be designed to meet the needs of all children and adolescents—regardless of their background, special needs, or life circumstances? The event series "Building Blocks of Education" provides inspiration and tools to address this question with conviction, creativity, and expertise.

This series is aimed at teachers, educational professionals, and school administrators with the goal of actively reimagining and shaping the future of schools. Each format addresses key topics such as inclusion, digitalization, Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), individualized support, and creative media production—thereby illustrating that school development is not an abstract concept, but rather a shared task with very concrete areas of action.

There is a particular focus on the interplay between theory and practice: All programs are based on well-founded concepts and are led by experts from the fields of research, professional development, and school practice. The content is shaped by participants’ feedback, needs, and suggested topics, and is continuously refined.

The event series is funded by the NRW Inclusion Fund with the goal of promoting and sustainably strengthening inclusive school development across the region.

The overarching goal is the continuous expansion of education—with openness, participation, and a broad perspective on diversity.

Contact information

Address: Universitätsstr. 43-49, 44789 Bochum

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is this event series intended for?

The events are aimed at teachers, educational professionals, school social workers, and school administrators from all types of schools. The target audience also includes interested stakeholders from educational administration or professional development.

Can parents participate, too?

Some of the events are also aimed at parents. However, they are primarily training programs for educational staff. The description on the respective registration page indicates whether an event is open to parents.

What is the goal of this event series?

“Building Blocks of Education” aims to provide impetus for inclusive, forward-looking school development. The resources offer concrete, practical suggestions on how topics such as inclusion, digitalization, education for sustainable development, and creative learning formats can be integrated into everyday school life.

What does “inclusive school development” mean in this context?

Inclusion is understood as a broad concept: In addition to special educational needs, it takes into account diversity in terms of social background, language, mental health, migration experience, giftedness, or religious orientation. The goal is to make school a place of learning and a living space for all students.

Who selects the topics for the events?

The topics are based on feedback, requests, and specific needs expressed by participants in previous events. This ensures that the programs are practical, up-to-date, and tailored to participants’ needs.

Who leads the workshops and events?

All events are led by experienced professionals from the fields of practice, academia, or teacher training. This ensures both a solid theoretical foundation and a strong practical focus. In recent years, the program has also featured guest speakers such as education influencers Raphael Kirsch and Dirk Fiebelkorn.

How do I register?

Registration is done using the appropriate registration form on the website or via an external link provided in the event announcement. The organizing team will answer any questions regarding registration (see Contact Information).

Are there certificates of participation?

Upon successful completion, a certificate of participation will be issued upon request.

Is this series of events also relevant for schools without inclusive classes?

This series of events views inclusion as a broad concept—it is not just about special education, but about diversity in cultural, linguistic, social, and individual terms. Even schools that do not (yet) officially operate on an inclusive basis can benefit from these ideas, as they help make learning environments more open, equitable, and sustainable.

What are the costs?

Participation in the events is free of charge, as the series is funded by the NRW Inclusion Fund.