Networking Event "SHIFT: Open School" in Papenburg
2026-04-22 How can schools be made more open, independent and future-proof? At the ‘SHIFT: Open School’ network meeting in Papenburg, education professionals from the Weser-Ems region came together to discuss precisely these issues, learn from one another and initiate new collaborations.
The “SHIFT: Open School” networking event in Papenburg has created a vibrant space for exchange, inspiration and collaboration. The aim of the event was to bring together schools and education stakeholders from the Weser-Ems region to work together on how schools can open up and develop in a sustainable way.
The general idea: good education does not arise in isolation, but through the interplay of different perspectives. That is why around 100 participants, including school leaders, teachers, school authorities and representatives from initiatives and educational organisations, came together to share experiences, gather ideas and jointly develop new approaches to school development.
The networking day was initiated by Dr János Lilienthal and Rainer Sandmann from the school leadership team at the Heinrich-von-Kleist-Schule in Papenburg. A powerful example from the Leuphana Innovation Community School Development and Leadership of how school development can be initiated through practical experience. In collaboration with beWirken and Ninja Müller from the Leuphana Innovation Community School Development & Leadership team, a varied programme was designed that focused on exchange and collaborative work.
"Schools shape the future - together."
The central question was: How can learning be made more open, independent and effective?
Answers to this question were developed through a varied programme comprising plenary discussions, short presentations (‘impulse snacks’) and collaborative working sessions.
In practical workshops, participants explored topics such as learning coaching, new learning spaces, self-organised learning, inclusive teaching settings and opening up schools through cooperation with external partners. Numerous experts and practitioners contributed their perspectives and experiences.
One thing became particularly clear on the day: school development is most successful when it is conceived and shaped collectively. The intensive exchange, openness to new ideas and willingness to collaborate made the networking day a significant catalyst for the region.
Or, as the day’s motto sums it up:
Schools shape the future – together.
A big thank you goes to the Heinrich-von-Kleist-Schule Papenburg, in particular Dr János Lilienthal and Rainer Sandmann, as well as Janine Dummer from beWirken for initiating and organising this successful networking event.