Sabine Zenz

Sabine Zenz is a Professor at the University of Education Lower Austria (PH NÖ), serving as Head of the Centre for Lateral Entry Careers and Head of the Gender and Diversity Competence Unit. She is also a University Lecturer and Research Associate with extensive experience in vocational education, career orientation, and teacher training.

Her educational background includes:

• Doctorate in Education (2020) - Branch Campus of the Universidad Central de Nicaragua
• Master of Education Sciences (2020) - Branch Campus of the Universidad Central de Nicaragua
• Dyslexia and Dyscalculia Trainer (2019) - Austrian Dyslexia Association
• Reflexive Gender Education (2022) - Salzburg University of Education
• Business Education Master's degree (2002) - Vienna University of Economics and Business

Zenz's research focuses on vocational education and career guidance, with particular emphasis on supporting lateral entry teachers, developing gender-sensitive educational practices, and enhancing intercultural competence in teaching. Her work addresses critical challenges in educational leadership during labor shortages and pandemic disruptions, examining how schools can better prepare students for career decisions in a transforming job market. She explores how to develop transversal competencies that can be applied across different educational contexts and how polytechnic schools can support students in career transitions.

Her publication record from 2021-2024 reveals key trends in career guidance during labor shortages, mentoring for career changers entering teaching, and the development of green skills in vocational education. Her research increasingly addresses pandemic impacts on career orientation and examines how schools can adapt career guidance systems to prepare students for an evolving job market.

Professional leadership roles include:

• Academic Director of the Master's Degree Program "Lateral Entry to Secondary General Education"
• Academic Director of the Master's program in Educational, Career and Life Orientation
• Supervision of master's and bachelor's theses
• Coordinator of individual learning support at academic high schools and vocational schools in Lower Austria

Zenz leads significant research initiatives:

• BePo – Career Choice Competence at Polytechnic Schools (cross-state research with universities from Salzburg, Upper Austria, and Carinthia)
• Talentschool – Interreg project on lateral entry into teaching (planned)
• Research on intercultural teaching at elementary schools
• Studies on intercultural sensitivity of career guidance teachers