Julia Daube is the new principal of the Steinmühle Bilingual Elementary School

To those around her, it was crystal clear what career Julia Daube would eventually pursue. Even back in high school, her teachers predicted, “You’ll be one of us someday.” It turned out to be a good guess, as became clear shortly thereafter. Julia Daube studied to become an elementary school teacher, specializing in German, math, and art.

Julia Daube calls the eastern part of the Marburg-Biedenkopf district home, and it was there—in Erksdorf and Hatzbach—that she found her job. Every detail showed that preparing girls and boys for life through their early years of schooling is exactly “her thing.”

The mother of two daughters, ages 17 and 9, had felt at home among the students and faculty for years. Then she received a call from Steinmühle.

 

Has already contributed to the curriculum

Thanks to her acquaintance with Principal Björn Gemmer, she had already been in contact with the school on Steinmühlenweg during the founding phase of the Bilingual Elementary School. Julia Daube also helped develop the curriculum for the Bilingual Elementary School. Because Elementary School Principal Janine Küster was on maternity leave, her desk was vacant. Björn Gemmer recognized this as an opportunity for both parties.

 

A Passionate Teacher

“I really thought long and hard when I was asked last summer if I wanted to be Janine’s successor,” recalls Julia Daube. The perception that school leadership involves a lot of administrative work and little time for the classroom is widespread—and as a passionate teacher, she didn’t want to underestimate that. She has not regretted her decision to join Steinmühle: “A friendly team, a great vice principal, lovely children—and open doors all over campus whenever questions arise.”

 

“Educational tasks remain the top priority”

Julia Daube is grateful for this atmosphere of openness and the culture of friendly interaction between teachers and students. Despite the administrative demands, she considers her teaching responsibilities to be her top priority.

Julia Daube’s motto is not to take anything personally—especially not what the students say. “Ever since a child once told me, ‘Your hair looks like a squirrel’s tail,’ I’ve started to let humor get the better of me every now and then.”

In the demanding role of a elementary school teacher in a leadership position, this attitude is likely to be helpful on more than one occasion. Angela Heinemann