Ute Franz

Prof. Dr. Ute Franz serves as Professor of Primary School Didactics at the Faculty of Human Sciences, Otto-Friedrich University Bamberg since 2015, with prior roles as Acting Professor (2012-2015) and Academic Councillor (2006-2012). Her work bridges theoretical research and practical implementation in primary education contexts.

• Doctorate in Philosophy (2006, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg)
• First and Second State Examinations for Primary School Teaching
• Research assistant positions at Erlangen-Nuremberg's Primary School Education II Chair and Institute for Primary School Research

Her research centers on scientific learning in general education, teaching quality variables, and interest development among children and teachers, with growing emphasis on language-sensitive instruction and inclusive assessment methods. Current projects explore sustainable development through service learning and multilingual transitions between daycare and primary school.

Publication trends reveal evolving focus from foundational science education variables (2005-2008) toward interdisciplinary transitions (2012-2020), with recent work emphasizing digitalization, inclusion, and multilingualism in early educational cooperation. Her editorial leadership in the Problems and Perspectives in Social Studies series demonstrates sustained contribution to primary education scholarship.

• Faraday Prize of the GDSU for doctoral thesis on teacher variables in science education

As academic advisor for Primary School Teaching (2006-2016) and current Examination Board Chair for Modular Teacher Training, she shapes curriculum development while leading major projects including Strengthening Education for Sustainable Development, Spezi-All (special talents), All-In (teacher training for inclusion), and Vi-Coach (video-based assessment coaching). Her Mobile Workshop initiative provides practical resources for language-sensitive general education.

Collaborations with non-university partners like the Government of Upper Franconia's Water School demonstrate her commitment to community-integrated educational approaches, particularly in environmental service learning contexts.