Mourning the Loss of Professor Kurt Czerwenka

2026-07-21 Lüneburg. Leuphana University of Lüneburg mourns the loss of Prof. Dr. Kurt Czerwenka. He passed away on July 4 at the age of 82. Czerwenka was appointed in 1981 as a professor of “General Didactics and Curriculum Theory with a Special Focus on Elementary Schools” at what was then Lüneburg University of Applied Sciences. Kurt Czerwenka was born on April 5, 1944, in Trzebautitz (Sudetenland, now the Czech Republic). After graduating from high school, he first studied to become an elementary school teacher at the Würzburg Teacher Training College (PH Würzburg), where he passed both state examinations. In addition to his subsequent studies in psychology, school pedagogy, and philosophy at the University of Würzburg, he also worked for several years as a teacher at elementary and middle schools. He completed his psychology studies with a Diplom degree. He then became a research assistant at the Chair of School Pedagogy in the Faculty of Education. In 1977, he earned his Dr. phil. degree from the Department of Philosophy at the University of Würzburg with a dissertation on behavior modification in the classroom. He also completed his habilitation in school pedagogy there in 1981.

In 1981, Kurt Czerwenka was appointed to the professorship of “General Didactics and Curriculum Theory with Special Emphasis on Elementary School” at what was then Lüneburg University of Applied Sciences. Beginning in 1994, he served as professor of school pedagogy and was responsible for overseeing the entire field of study. In addition to his commitment to research and teaching, he was also active in academic self-governance, including serving as vice president from 1986 to 1988. In 1990, he assumed the directorship of the Institute for School and Higher Education Research. As the long-standing chair of various commissions for teacher education and through his involvement in the redesign of teacher training programs, he shaped teacher education at colleges and universities.

His areas of teaching included learning and behavioral problems in schools, the development of learning competencies, and educational counseling. In his research, he focused particularly on the topic of ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and school, the diagnosis and management of learning and behavioral problems, and teacher education. In this work, he always placed great emphasis on integrating theory and practice in a way that fostered practical competence. Far beyond the university, Kurt Czerwenka was a highly esteemed, recognized, and much-sought-after expert in both academic and professional circles due to his scholarly work.

With the Summer Academy for secondary school students, first held in 2007, he developed a model—still effective today—for promoting motivation, academic success, and career entry among disadvantaged youth. This model has garnered nationwide attention and will forever be associated with his name. Even after his retirement in 2009, Kurt Czerwenka remained active in research and teaching for several years as a senior professor.

Kurt Czerwenka rendered outstanding service to teacher education and to the reputation of our university. His tireless commitment to ensuring that prospective teachers received the best possible training also made him a respected and highly valued professor among students. His colleagues always found him to be an attentive, helpful, and reliable partner and advisor.

Leuphana University of Lüneburg commemorates him with deep sorrow and great gratitude. The university community will always honor his memory. Our sincere condolences go out to his family.