New insights for everyday work – while still studying

A graduate of the part-time degree program in Childhood Education reports

Four years ago, Alexander Herfort began the five-semester part-time degree program in Childhood Education alongside his job and family commitments. Today, as a state-recognized childhood educator, he is perfectly equipped for his leadership role and has opened the door to new fields of work.

Why did you decide three years ago to start the degree program?
Because of my work as the head of a kindergarten, it was necessary to complete a qualifying course of study. Instead of a one-year additional qualification without much homework or many examinations (which would formally have been sufficient…), I chose the B.A. program because I was interested in gaining deeper insight into the academic foundations of childhood education and also wanted to open up further fields of activity for myself in the future. I chose Alanus University because the duration of the program, the scheduling of the in-person sessions, and especially the connection to Waldorf education were very attractive to me.

What positive effects did the degree program have for you while you were still studying?
I was able to bring practical experience and critical situations I had encountered into the seminars, and the discussions and impulses that took place were often helpful in clarifying things. It was an advantage that most of my fellow students also came from the field of practice, which made conversations at a higher level possible. Even during the program, I began integrating helpful new insights into my everyday work.

What changed for you as a result of the degree program?
I took with me the ability to reflect on and discuss pedagogy in academic terms. This enriches my professional practice enormously. In-depth literature research and comparing and weighing different points of view, as well as gathering evidence for particular claims, is demanding, exciting, illuminating, and ultimately often an invaluable aid to decision-making.

What were the challenges for you in this part-time degree program alongside work?
Beforehand, it was necessary to clarify within my family that I really had the required time resources available. Partial funding through the continuing education voucher had to be applied for, and agreements had to be made with my employer regarding the necessary release from work duties. Then the introduction to academic thinking and working was both challenging and stimulating. It took some time to truly meet this standard in all assignments. And ultimately, during the program itself, it was important to have a good schedule for the tasks at hand and to allow myself breaks from time to time.

What do you remember most from your time as a student?
All the travelling! (It really does have a positive, focusing effect when the place of study is far from where you live and work. Your mind clears, and you can fully engage with the content.) But most of all: exciting seminars, true professionals as lecturers, strong practical relevance, inspiring artistic work, and sometimes very long seminar days.

As a graduate, what advice would you like to pass on to future students?
It is worth it!!!