Strengthening citizenship education, vocational teachers
For a democratic future in polarizing times
The assignment
In both Romania and the Netherlands, we see similar challenges in vocational education:
Students feel less engaged in democratic processes.
Civics education often remains abstract; institutions are looking for ways to make its quality measurable.
The problem isn't limited to any one area. It lies in the combination of teaching methods, attitude, context, and the system.
What We Do
This Erasmus+ project (2026–2027) focuses on teachers as key players. We are working on two interrelated components:
1. Train-the-trainer program
A practice-oriented program for vocational education teachers.
The question
What is the program focused on?
This program brings together students from vocational, higher vocational, and university-level programs to look beyond the boundaries of their own fields of study. Rather than focusing on the technical possibilities, they work together to explore the ethical and societal impact of technology. Through art and dialogue, they learn to think critically, collaborate, and reflect on their own moral compass.
The solution
Managing Diversity and Tension in the Classroom
Developing critical thinking skills in students and translating social issues into classroom practice. Teachers not only learn themselves but also train their colleagues, which in turn creates a multiplier effect.
2. Impact and Quality Tool
A practical tool that helps you:
- to highlight civic competencies
- to evaluate educational practices
- to systematically improve the quality of citizenship education in vocational education
Not an abstract model, but something that works in teachers’ day-to-day practice.
How we work
The project is based on co-creation and practical experience:
- development in collaboration with teachers
- testing in real classrooms
- continuously adjust based on feedback
- link with existing educational structures and continue to integrate them
Not just a one-off effort, but something that lasts.
Bildung and this project
For the Bildung Academy, education is not just about what a person learns, but about shaping who a person becomes and how they relate to the world around them.
In vocational education, citizenship is often approached as something that can be taught: knowledge about democracy, rules, and systems. In practice, this rarely proves sufficient. The questions students and teachers encounter more often concern how to deal with differences, with tension in the classroom, with outspoken opinions, or, conversely, with silences. When should you speak up, and when should you not? How do you keep the conversation going when things get heated?
In this project, we therefore use Bildung as our starting point. We support teachers not only in developing teaching methods or knowledge, but also in how they conduct themselves in the classroom and manage the dynamics that arise there. Especially at a time when certain issues can be polarizing, this calls for teachers who can create space for differences without oversimplifying or avoiding them.
In this way, citizenship shifts from something that is imparted to something that is practiced together: in the classroom, through interaction, and in the day-to-day practice of education.
Our role
The Bildung Academy is the initiator and coordinator.
We:
- develop and oversee the program
- connecting partners and expertise
- ensure that results remain applicable
Always asking: How will this become part of the system?
Are you working on similar issues?
You might recognize this: You’re working on citizenship education but are looking for concrete approaches. You’ve noticed that classroom discussions are becoming more complex. You want to better support teachers. You’re looking to collaborate or delve deeper into the subject. If so, we’d love to hear from you.
This project focuses on lasting change.
Personal and non-committal
Are you working on similar issues?
You may recognize this situation: you see that transitions (between educational levels) are problematic. You want to collaborate, but lack a network or a point of entry. You’re developing initiatives, but are looking to deepen your work or scale it up. If so, we’d love to hear from you.
Bridging Pathways is a collaboration between educational and professional partners in the Netherlands and Poland, including our organization, the Bildung Academie (lead partner), L’Oiseau Bleu, Mytylschool De Brug, Medyck Otwock, and the Zamenhof Foundation. The project is co-funded by the European Union.
