On March 31, 2025, the awards for the German Teachers' Prize – Innovative Teaching 2024 were presented in Berlin. The prize is awarded annually by the Deutscher Philologenverband and the Heraeus Bildungsstiftung, with support from the Schöpflin Foundation and other partners. Under the motto »Growing Together into the Future«, ten teachers, three school leaders, and five teaching projects from seven federal states received awards totaling approximately 60,000 €. Students and teachers from across Germany were able to submit nominations in advance, from which a broad jury of education experts selected the winners.

The German Teachers' Prize is awarded in several categories. For the category »Exemplary School Leadership« teachers can nominate their school leaders, while students submit suggestions for »Outstanding Teachers«. In the competition category »Innovative Teaching«, teaching projects are awarded that are interdisciplinary, sustainably effective, and developed through teamwork. Additionally, there were two special prizes: »Cultural Education« and »Environment and Sustainability«. The awards for »Outstanding Teachers« were presented by our Foundation's President Tim Göbel, together with Martin Fugmann (President of the Heraeus Bildungsstiftung). In their speeches, they highlighted the inspiring commitment of the awardees, which is pioneering for teaching in German schools.

A special feature of the German Teachers' Prize is the involvement of students: They nominate their teacher for an award and explain why they believe the teacher deserves it. Reasons given include passion for the subject, living the values taught, and creating a pleasant learning environment. The importance of building a personal relationship with students is repeatedly emphasized in justifications like this one: »From the very beginning, she accompanied us on our journey, supported us, and helped us grow. As a teacher, she was not only open, warm, and loving in her interactions with us, but more like a compass that gave us direction.«

In her speech, Christine Streichert-Clivot, Minister of Education of Saarland and President of the Conference of Ministers of Education, emphasized: »In order to shape education courageously in times of change, we must think in new ways and create the right conditions together.« Only through close collaboration between teachers, school leaders, students, and politics can a future-oriented school be created, one that best prepares young people for life and the challenges of our time.

The prize money of the German Teachers' Prize can be used for projects in teaching. Additionally, all awardees become part of an excellence network. The next competition round is already underway. Until June 30, 2025, students and teachers can submit their nominations for the German Teachers' Prize 2025. More information is available at »lehrkraeftepreis.de«.