Markus Seitz: A new headmaster with visions for Kassel's students
Markus Seitz has been running the Carl Schomburg School in Kassel since April. He plans reforms to promote reading skills and career orientation.
Markus Seitz: A new headmaster with visions for Kassel's students
Markus Seitz has taken on an exciting area of responsibility as the new headmaster of the Carl Schomburg School in Kassel. With a previous career as a journalist, he brings a fresh perspective to the school world. Seitz, who studied biology and music, took this step after working as a freelance journalist for several years. He spent the last year as deputy head at the school before taking over as head in April.
Responsibility for over 670 students is a considerable challenge. “When I started as a teacher, I knew immediately that this was my professional home,” says Seitz, speaking of the meaning of his new role. In his opinion, it is particularly important in comprehensive schools not only to impart knowledge, but also to support the students in their personal development. This means that school should be a safe space where children can feel comfortable and learn.
Focus on reading skills and career preparation
Seitz has ambitious plans for the future. His primary goal is to significantly increase the number of students who go into training after graduation. Currently, around 40 students leave school every year with a secondary school certificate, only a few of whom go on to start training. Seitz sees a clear need for action here and would like to give students practical insights into various professional fields at an early stage by implementing cooperating comprehensive school models.
“By attending a vocational school from the eighth grade onwards, young people can recognize their interests and strengths much better,” explains Seitz emphatically. Reading skills are very important to him. Many children entering fifth grade struggle with basic reading and writing skills. For this purpose, Seitz is planning a new concept that puts reading promotion at the center of school activities. A cooperation with the University of Kassel is intended to specifically help students learn to read through individual support plans.
Restructuring of the all-day offer
Another aspect that the headteacher would like to address is the redesign of the all-day offering. Seitz expects that a varied educational program that includes sports and cultural activities will motivate students to go to school and learn. This restructuring is planned for the coming school year and could bring about a positive change for the voluntary part of everyday school life.
Seitz himself emphasizes that he has difficulties teaching because the multitude of new tasks takes up a lot of time. “I see myself as an enabler for others,” he says of the motivation behind his new role. This positive attitude gives hope that he can initiate the necessary changes and thus sustainably improve the learning atmosphere and the career prospects of the students at the Carl Schomburg School.
In summary, it can be said that Markus Seitz brings a breath of fresh air to the institution with his journalistic past and his commitment as the new headmaster of the Carl Schomburg School in Kassel. The challenges that lie ahead are many, but his focused approach could well yield fruitful results for students and teachers alike. For further information about Markus Seitz and his plans, see a detailed report on developments at the Carl Schomburg School on www.hna.de to find.