Four decades of harmonized schooling in Ingolstadt
Celebrating Four Decades of Inclusive Education in Ingolstadt: A Galvanizing Anniversary
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The Ingolstadt Association for Integrated Education is turning 40! Established back in the day, it plays a pivotal role in the Pedagogical Center Ingolstadt (PZ) and founded the Montessori School (formerly Johann-Michael-Sailer-School) four decades ago, which now incorporates a grammar school. Under the banner "40 years of inclusive school in Ingolstadt - empowering living, learning, and shaping individually through mutual support," a commemorative event took place on April 4, honoring the Montessori School's ethos and other PZ facilities while looking to the future.
Reflecting on the journey, esteemed guests such as Alfred Grob MdL, Mayor Dr. Michael Kern, School Councilor Heike Bürkel, and Prof. Dr. Klaus Stuwe from KU Eichstaett-Ingolstadt graced the ceremony, praising the importance of inclusive education for society.
The event's climax was Dr. Regina Schnell's speech, one of the school's founders. She elucidated the genesis of the "Ingolstadt Model," an educational concept devised at the Catholic University Eichstaett-Ingolstadt, boasting theoretical foundations for the practical implementation of all-inclusive pedagogy. Peter Freidhoff played a substantial role in this and was present at the jubilee.
The festivities included musical presentations by the school choir, a dramatic performance by students from the Montessori School, and piano and violin renditions. The "Great Practical Work" of the 8th graders, a vital component of the Montessori curriculum, was on display, demonstrating the school's commitment to practical, self-determined education.
Right from its inception, the Montessori School advocated for child-centered pedagogy, aiming to empower every child, gifted or disadvantaged, with a customized, high-quality education tailored to their unique strengths and development areas. School Director Christina Dreinhoef remarked, "In this way, we create a learning environment where children with varying learning predispositions learn together and enrich one another." In the coming years, the school intends to continue its path, making significant contributions to an inclusive and equitable society.
Looking to the future, Dr. Regina Schnell suggests the establishment of an educational parent school, leveraging the Circle of Parents' work to support parents in their educational undertakings. However, she also passed the torch to her daughter, Simona Rottenkolber, as the association's new leader, marking the end of her 40-year tenure.
The association also released a detailed chronicle marking the celebration, now available for purchase at the school or directly from the association for a fee.
This is a representation of the event, featuring vital details but optimized for an engaging and accessible style.
Photo: From left to right: Vitus Lehenmeier (Headmaster Montessori Grammar School), Dr. Regina Schnell (Founder), Simona Rottenkolber (1st Chairwoman of the association) and Christina Dreinhoef (Headmaster Montessori School) stand before the 40th-anniversary cake.
Press Office / Pedagogical CenterAssociation + House Together gGmbH
Inclusive education, a beacon of empowerment and personal growth, continues to thrive in Ingolstadt, building on a rich history of educational institutions fostering holistic development.
The association, celebrating its 40th anniversary, has Made significant strides in education-and-self-development, promoting personal-growth opportunities for every child.Looking ahead, the establishment of an educational parent school further emphasizes the association's commitment to fostering learning and contributing to a more inclusive society.
