Published: 17.12.2025, updated: 06.03.2026
The teacher training students and student advisors from the Centre for Teacher Education, Danielle, Lea, Lisa, Richard, Sebastian and Tobi, report on their experiences in the degree courses of teaching at secondary schools and teaching at vocational schools at the TU Darmstadt.
The teaching courses at secondary schools and at vocational schools are only offered in German language at TU Darmstadt. The following English-language text is a shortened version of the German-language blog post.
The Centre for Teacher Education (ZfL) is a central institution at TU Darmstadt and sees itself as the first point of contact for teacher training students and prospective students for all interdisciplinary questions and concerns about teacher training and the teaching profession.
We study to become teachers – but what does that actually mean?
At TU Darmstadt, future teachers are trained as true all-rounders. In the secondary school program, we study two subjects, similar to a double major bachelor´s degree; in vocational education, we study one vocational field and one subject within a bachelor’s-master’s system, with the option to add a third. Beyond subject knowledge, we learn in didactics how to make complex topics understandable and relevant for students. Courses in education, sociology, psychology, and political science prepare us for our role as educators. And it’s not just theory – through several teaching internships, we gain real classroom experience during our studies.
Why do we study to become teachers at TU Darmstadt?
TU Darmstadt is a renowned, research-driven technical university (member of TU9) with an excellent national and international reputation – especially in STEM fields. Thanks to its strong research focus, teaching students benefit from close links to current studies, including digital education, diversity, and education for sustainable development. Small class sizes make studying personal and interactive. We receive individual support from lecturers and tutors, making it easy to connect with peers, form study groups, and access services such as advising, tutorials, and excursions. The Centre for Teacher Education (ZfL) provides continuous guidance – from study entry and course planning to workshops on professional skills. It also offers information and advice for prospective students. TU Darmstadt’s strong international network allows us to gain global and intercultural experience through study abroad, internships, or on-campus programs. The city of Darmstadt itself is vibrant, well-connected, and student-friendly, offering high quality of life, culture, and proximity to Frankfurt.
Richard,
Teacher Training for Secondary Schools: Biology & Chemistry
As a teacher training student at TU Darmstadt, I experience every day how exciting and diverse the path to becoming a teacher can be. The STEM fields at TUDa are particularly strong – with well-equipped laboratories, dedicated lecturers, and inspiring practical projects. What motivates me most is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in schools early on. This gives me a real sense of what my future profession will be like – and why it is so important.
Teaching at secondary schools or teaching at vocational schools? An overview of the teacher training programmes at TU Darmstadt
Lea,
Teacher Training for Secondary Schools: Biology & German
I personally chose TU Darmstadt because I appreciate its strong focus on the natural sciences and the high reputation of a TUDa degree. For me, the best part of the program is the variety of subject combinations, which allows you to explore many fascinating topics and meet a wide range of interesting people.
Lisa,
Teacher Training for Vocational Schools: Body Sciences, Fashion and Aesthetics & German
During my training as a hairdresser, I often realized how much I enjoyed engaging more deeply with the course material – and how much fun it was to explain it to my classmates. After talking with my teachers at vocational school, it became clear to me: studying Teacher Training for Vocational Schools at TU Darmstadt in the field of Body Sciences, Fashion and Aesthetics is the perfect path for me!
Practical Learning Directly in Schools
The teacher training programs at TU Darmstadt include hands-on components to prepare students for their future careers. In the introductory internship during the first half of the program, you gain initial classroom experience with real students and see school from a teacher’s perspective. Individual guidance from lecturers through class visits and reflection sessions helps you evaluate your career goals and grow from your experiences. Later, in the practical semester (for secondary schools) or subject-specific didactic internship (for vocational schools), you apply theory in real classrooms, try different teaching methods, and reflect on your pedagogical approach, supported by both school mentors and university lecturers. Small student groups allow for intensive, personalized support.
Sebastian,
Teacher Training for Secondary Schools: History & Chemistry
During my introductory internship, I received excellent support from my lecturers. Thanks to our small group size, they could address our individual needs perfectly. For my friends and me, it was especially important to experience school not as students, but from our new perspective as future teachers. It was also motivating to apply the theory-based knowledge from our studies in practice.
Tobi,
Teaching degree for secondary schools: Biology & Chemistry
The practical training helped me tremendously in my development as a prospective teacher. I found the individual support particularly valuable. The lesson observations and the subsequent reflection sessions with my instructor opened up many new perspectives and gave me confidence.
Support for Teacher Training Students
Teacher training is diverse but challenging – academically, organizationally, and personally. Success requires perseverance, self-organization, reflection, and external support. The Centre for Teacher Education offers numerous resources to help students thrive – e.g., the orientation week (OWO) and the mentoring program for new students, and several advisory services for Teacher Training Students of all semesters on timetabling, managing study life, and evaluating personal suitability for teaching.
Lea,
Teaching degree for secondary schools: Biology & German
What I particularly enjoyed about the OWO teacher training program were the many social activities, as I had only moved to Darmstadt a few days before starting my studies, and this meant I was well-connected right from the beginning. I met some of my best friends at my OWO. In the following years, I participated as an OWO tutor myself, and I have to say, that's even more fun!
Danielle,
Teacher Training for Vocational Schools: Fashion and Aesthetics & Politics and Economics
The mentoring program provides all new teacher training students with a point of contact for any questions or issues related to starting their studies. It offers guidance in daily academic life, a safe space for exchange and mutual support, and opportunities to form new friendships. The Student Advisory Service complements this perfectly, offering individual support and solutions in an open setting.
Lea,
Teacher Training for Secondary Schools: Biology & German
Personally, I find the PraxisPlus offerings on teacher well-being especially interesting, as this topic is becoming increasingly important. The program offers excellent workshops on resilience, yoga, and nutrition, providing me with valuable skills and routines that are helpful for both my future career and my current studies.
Tobi,
Teacher Training for Secondary Schools: Biology & Chemistry
If you’re looking for a teacher training program with strong camaraderie and an engaged student community, TU Darmstadt is the perfect place for you!
