Armin Schwarz visits the Bertha-von-Suttner-School in Mörfelden-Walldorf again – discussions about innovative learning concepts and education financing
The Bertha von Suttner School in Mörfelden-Walldorf has once again received a visit from Hesse's Minister of Education, Armin Schwarz. Having already personally congratulated the school at the end of September immediately after it was awarded the 2026 German School Prize, he returned in early November for an official congratulatory meeting and discussion. The focus of the visit was the school's success, its unique learning concepts, and the challenges for its future development.
The integrated comprehensive school with upper secondary level was the first school in Hesse to win the main prize of the German School Prize, worth 100,000 euros. This made it Germany's best school in 2026.
Award for continuous school development
In the school's assembly hall, headmistress Ute Zeller welcomed not only the Minister of Education but also District Administrator Thomas Will, members of the state parliament Kerstin Geis and Ines Claus, as well as representatives from the State School Authority and the Robert Bosch Foundation, which awards the German School Prize. Teachers and students also attended the event.
Zeller described the school prize as "an exceptional award for continuous and sustainable work".
Minister of Education Armin Schwarz praised the Bertha von Suttner School as an innovative, inclusive, and future-oriented educational institution. He stated that its success was a collective achievement of the entire school community, comprising nearly 2,000 students. He thanked the headmistress and her team for their dedication and acknowledged previous awards and the support provided by funding programs from the state of Hesse.
District administrator demands better education funding
District Administrator Thomas Will also expressed his delight at the school's success. He found it particularly noteworthy that an integrated comprehensive school with upper secondary level had won the main prize.
“How often have we talked about the negative prognoses some students arrive here with – and how these prognoses are ultimately proven wrong thanks to the good work of the school,” Will said, addressing the school management.
At the same time, the district administrator emphasized that the school prize was not something "we can rest on".
The district of Groß-Gerau, as the school authority, intends to continuously develop both the Bertha-von-Suttner-School and its other schools. However, sufficient financial resources are required for this.
Will therefore advocated for a change in education financing, in which the federal government, in addition to the states, assumes greater responsibility.
Artificial intelligence in chemistry lessons
During a subsequent classroom visit, the guests gained insights into the school's practical work. In chemistry class, they were able to observe how students used artificial intelligence to work on different tasks in small groups.
The visitors had the opportunity to talk with the young people about their special learning methods. District Administrator Thomas Will also learned where the district, as the school authority, could provide additional support through its IT department.
Older students then reported on the learning atmosphere at the Bertha-von-Suttner-School. This includes self-directed learning and the opportunity to test the use of artificial intelligence in a protected environment.
Individual support instead of rigid structures
Headmistress Ute Zeller and other teachers explained what conditions are necessary to meet the different needs of the children and young people.
“We need to move away from excessive administration and towards more creative input,” Zeller explained.
Especially in a large school, it is important to distribute responsibility among several people and to strengthen cooperation within the staff.
The goal is to leave no child behind. According to the school, this includes a respectful learning environment, individual support, assistance with language acquisition, and working in small groups.
Equally important is taking into account the personal life stories of the students and using digital technologies in a contemporary way.
The school community decides on prize money
The important role of community at the Bertha-von-Suttner-School should also be reflected in the use of the prize money.
The sustainable use of the 100,000 euros will be decided jointly within the school community.
The German School Prize is intended not only to be a recognition of the work done so far, but also to contribute to the further development of the school.
(GROSS-GERAU CIRCLE – RED/PSKGG)
Featured image: In the photo (from left): Deputy Headmaster Anthony Amokwe, the two state parliament members Ines Claus and Kerstin Geis, Headmistress Ute Zeller, Minister of Education Armin Schwarz, District Administrator Thomas Will and Dr. Stella Voutta, Head of Education at the Robert Bosch Foundation. Photo: District Administration
