HAIDERSHOFEN. Katrin Heimberger (36) has been working for “Teach for Austria” since September. The sociologist from Haidershofen, who studied at the Hüttner School in Linz, ensures that children with poor starting conditions make the connection in terms of education.
The mother of an eight-year-old boy has already taken on responsibility in various jobs before, during and after her studies, most recently as a language trainer for 3 to 6-year-old children at the Linz municipal authorities. The sociologist is characterized by perseverance and creativity, which she implements in the design of living spaces and in her garden. In addition, she has supervised several cultural projects.
What is important to you in life?
Katrin Heimberger: In addition to my son, who always comes first for me, I find it important to constantly develop myself. Always broadening my own horizons, remaining critical and capable of criticism and constantly encouraging myself to leave my comfort zone. To challenge myself again and again and to break new ground is what defines life for me.
What was your motivation for working towards fairer opportunities?
Katrin Heimberger: The so-called gap of social inequality is getting bigger and the situation will worsen in the coming years. Education in particular is an essential factor here. In this area in particular, it is important to start and employ the most committed people. Teach for Austria gave me the chance to make myself strong as a teacher for the issue of educational justice that is close to my heart. For me, my motivation was also the opportunity for professional and personal development.
Which experiences from your previous activities will be of use to you here?
Katrin Heimberger: The last 4.5 years as a career changer in elementary education were particularly formative for me. Working as a language trainer in a very challenging kindergarten allowed me to surpass myself. I was able to benefit from numerous self-taught training courses as well as from exchanges with very committed colleagues and expand my skills. I don’t know whether I would have had the courage to apply to Teach for Austria without this formative previous experience.
Where do you see the greatest leverage with children? What do you want to give them?
Katrin Heimberger: Above all, I want to open up worlds for the children that may not be so accessible to them. Children from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds in particular often lack access to various fields such as art or culture. To give them the opportunity to discover new things is an essential point in my work as a teacher. To tread unconventional paths and to encourage the children to think “out of the box”. We learn very early to move in very rigid patterns. Many students struggle with low self-esteem or receive little attention from home.
What are your first impressions in your new environment?
Katrin Heimberger: At first loud, chaotic, very stressful and demanding. We are facing extremely big challenges that sometimes overwhelm us, sometimes demand everything, sometimes make us despair, but on the other hand inspire and grow. Above all, I see the potential that these young people have in them. The beauty and the uplifting are the many small visible successes at the end of the day, which make many things possible. I find the positive feedback from the students and the meaningful activity in this position very enriching in this undoubtedly demanding job.
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The vision of the non-profit organization is that by 2050 every child has the chance of a good life – no matter how much money or education their parents have.
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