Prof Dr Anke Spies
Educational Sciences
Specialisation: Pedagogy and didactics of elementary and primary education
Elementary and primary education
Curriculum Vitae and memberships
Since 2010 Professor of Educational Science specialising in pedagogy and didactics of elementary and primary education
Teaching and research focus:
- Child protection in primary school
- Pedagogical action in primary education
- Educational biographies
- School social work in primary education
- Co-operative relationships in the educational landscape/all-day primary school network
- University didactic strategies and research-based learning in teacher training
- Primary and secondary analytical research methods (qualitative)
2003 - 2010 Junior professor for school social work, University of Oldenburg
1999 - 2003 Research assistant: specialising in social pedagogy, University of Koblenz-Landau
1999 Doctorate: General Pedagogy / Theory of Education, University of Münster
1995 First State Examination : Teaching Qualification Sek. I & II: German, Pedagogy, University of Münster
- Studies of Education, German Studies and Sociology at the Universities of Münster and Marburg
- Commercial commercial training
Deputies and appointments
- 2010 Professorship "Educational science with a focus on pedagogy and didactics of elementary and primary education", University of Oldenburg
- 2009 Professorship "Social Integration and Academic Rehabilitation - Support for the Disadvantaged", University of Magdeburg
- 2009/2010 Substitute professorship "Social Integration and Academic Rehabilitation - Support for Disadvantaged People", University of Magdeburg
- 2008/2009 Substitute professorship "Social Work", Vechta University of Applied Sciences
Memberships
DGfE section memberships:
- Section Organisational Pedagogy
- Commission for Primary School Research and Primary School Pedagogy
Publications 2026-2016
Spies, A. (2026): School social work as an innovation in primary school administration? In: Huber, S./Fahrenwald, C./Schröer, A. (eds.): Organisation and Innovation. Yearbook of the Section on Organisational Pedagogy. Wiesbaden: Springer VS. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-658-47992-3. (forthcoming)
Spies, A. (2026): The unclear position of school social work within the counselling system. In: P. Bauer, S. Bender, B. Thiessen, J. Strasser & M. Weinhardt (eds.): Contributions to Counselling Research. Weinheim: Beltz Juventa. (forthcoming)
Spies, A. & Prüshoff, H. (2025): Child protection in primary education. Podcast: Series II
Spies, A. (2024): Interdisciplinary Connections and Intergenerational Contextual Knowledge. Introduction. In: A. Spies (ed.): Pedagogical Responsibilities. An Interdisciplinary Search for Clues in Intergenerational Discourse. Seven Expert Discussions. Weinheim: Beltz Juventa. pp. 9–11.
Spies, A., Pfahl, L. and Bliemetsrieder, S. (2024): Pedagogical Responsibilities and Discursive Approaches. A Framework for the Discussions with W. Edelstein, H. Faulstich-Wieland, M. Krüger-Potratz, D. Benner, H. G. Homfeldt, M.-E. Karsten, R. Wiesner and D. Sengling. In: A. Spies (ed.): Pedagogical Responsibilities. An Interdisciplinary Search for Clues in Intergenerational Discourse. Seven Expert Discussions. Weinheim: Beltz Juventa. pp. 12–35.
Edelstein, W. in conversation with Pfahl, L., Edelstein, B. and Spies, A. (2024): Education systems, school development and pedagogical practice as subjects of social science research. In: A. Spies (ed.): Pedagogical Responsibilities. An Interdisciplinary Search for Clues in Intergenerational Discourse. Seven Expert Discussions. Weinheim: Beltz Juventa. pp. 36–56.
Faulstich-Wieland, H. in conversation with Spies, A. and Stecklina, G. (2024): Gender as a Line of Differentiation in the Intra- and Interdisciplinary Examination of the Requirements and Conditions of the Education System. In: A. Spies (ed.): Pedagogical Responsibilities. An Interdisciplinary Search for Clues in Intergenerational Discourse. Seven Expert Discussions. Weinheim: Beltz Juventa. pp. 57–79.
Krüger-Potratz, M., in conversation with Spies, A. and Chamakalayil, L. (2024): Standardisation processes and requirements in the education system within a society of migration. In: A. Spies (ed.): Pedagogical Responsibilities. An Interdisciplinary Search for Clues in Intergenerational Discourse. Seven Expert Discussions. Weinheim: Beltz Juventa. pp. 80–103.
Benner, D. in conversation with Spies, A. and Wunsch, R. (2024): Social-space-oriented primary school development. Academic theory-building and educational practice in inter-institutional co-operation. In: A. Spies (ed.): Pedagogical Responsibilities. An Interdisciplinary Search for Clues in Intergenerational Discourse. Seven Expert Discussions. Weinheim: Beltz Juventa. pp. 104–124.
Homfeldt, H. G., in conversation with Spies, A. and Speck, K. (2024): Social Work and School. Pedagogical Practice within the Cooperative Relationship between Social and School Pedagogical Institutions, Professions and Discourse-Based Analyses. In: A. Spies (ed.): Pedagogical Responsibilities. An Interdisciplinary Exploration of Intergenerational Discourse. Seven Expert Discussions. Weinheim: Beltz Juventa. pp. 125–144.
Karsten, M-E., in conversation with Spies, A. and Bliemetsrieder, S. (2024): Interactions between societal and professional developments in social and early years educational discourses and fields of practice. In: A. Spies (ed.): Educational Responsibilities. An Interdisciplinary Exploration of Intergenerational Discourse. Seven Expert Discussions. Weinheim: Beltz Juventa. pp. 145–163.
Wiesner, R. in conversation with Spies, A. and Wunsch, R. (2024): The history of the origins and reforms of Book VIII of the Social Code (SGB VIII) as the basis for the development and structuring of social-educational fields of action. In: A. Spies (ed.): Pedagogical Responsibilities. An Interdisciplinary Search for Clues in Intergenerational Discourse. Seven Expert Discussions. Weinheim: Beltz Juventa. pp. 164–185.
Spies, A., Pfahl, L. and Bliemetsrieder, S. (2024): Inclusions and Omissions in Pedagogical Responsibilities. In: A. Spies (ed.): Pedagogical Responsibilities. An Interdisciplinary Search for Clues in Intergenerational Discourse. Seven Expert Discussions. Weinheim: Beltz Juventa. pp. 215–227.
Spies, A. (2024): Cross-institutional co-operation in primary education. In: M. Götz et al. (eds.): Handbook of Primary School Pedagogy and Didactics (5th fully revised and expanded edition). Bad Heilbrunn: UTB, pp. 135–140.
Spies, A. & Eggert-Boraczynski, J. (2023): Child protection in primary education. Podcast: Series I
Spies, A. (2020): Transition between primary and secondary education. In: Bollweg, P., Buchner, J., Coelen, T. & Otto, H.-U. (eds.): Handbook of All-Day Education. 2nd edition, Springer VS. pp. 603–615.
Spies, A. & Steinbach, A. (2020): Education, Biographical Dimensions and Coping with Life. In: Stecklina, G./Riefort, J. (eds.): Coping with Life: Perspectives for Social Work Practice. Weinheim, Beltz-Juventa, pp. 417–425.
Spies, A. & Wolter, J. (2018): The concept of the educational landscape as a benchmark for (primary) school development processes. In: Erziehung und Bildung, Vol. 71, No. 3, pp. 274–291.
Spies, A. (2018): Primary school development in partnership with school social work. In: Ahmed, S./Baier, F./Fischer, M. (eds.): School social work in primary schools. Concepts and methods for working with children and families. Opladen: Budrich-Verlag. 47–64.
Spies, A. (2018): All-day networking as a concept for educational practice – A cooperative network between primary schools and youth welfare organisations. In: Weber, M.S./Schroder, C./Truschkat, I./Peters, L./Herz, A. (eds.): Organisation and Networks. Yearbook of Organisational Pedagogy. Wiesbaden: VS-Springer, pp. 289–297.
Spies, A. (2018): Gender sensitivity as a cross-cutting task for school social work. In: Speck, K., Olk, T., Hollenstein, E. & Nieslony, F. (eds.): Handbook of School Social Work. Volume 2. Weinheim: Beltz-Juventa.
Fahrenwald, C./ De Boer, H./Spies, A. (2018): Professionalisation in Teacher Education as an Inter-organisational Learning Challenge. In: Frontiers in Education, section Leadership in Education.
journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/feduc.2018.00004/full?&utm_source=Email_to_authors_&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=T1_11.5e1_author&utm_campaign=Email_publication&field=&journalName=Frontiers_in_Education&id=320854
Spies, A. (2018): School and Social Work. In: Graßhoff, G./Renker, A./Schröer, W. (eds.): ‘Social Work – A Basic Introduction’. Wiesbaden: VS-Verlag, pp. 133–150.
Spies, Anke (2018): School Development ‘in Focus’ – Possibilities and Limits of Professionalising and Broadening Perspectives through Qualitative Methods in the Context of Research-Based Learning. In: Gottuck, S./Grünheid, I./Mercheril, P./Wolter, J. (eds.): Learning to See and Unlearning: Perspectives on Pedagogical Professionalisation. Wiesbaden, VS-Verlag, pp. 241–264.
Spies, Anke (2018): School development. In: Bassarak, H. (ed.): Encyclopaedia of School Social Work. Cologne, Nomos-Verlag, pp. 415–416.
Gerheim, U./Spies, A. (2017): Patterns of interpretation and pedagogical practice among teachers in the context of school career guidance. In: Zeitschrift für Grundschulforschung (ZFG), Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 63–75.
Spies, A. (2017): Pedagogical practice with regard to gender differences – the role of school social work. In: Glockentröger, I./Adelt, E. (eds.): Gender-Sensitive Education and Upbringing in Schools. Foundations – Areas of Action – Practice. Münster and New York, Waxmann Verlag, pp. 85–98.
Viertel, M., Ehrenspeck-Kolasa, Y. & Spies, A. (2017): Digital reading support in primary schools: between aspiration and reality. A study on the use and evaluation of the web-based reading support programme ‘Antolin’ by primary school teachers in Lower Saxony (NuBeAn). In: Mayrberger, K./Fromme, J./Grell, P./Hug, T. (eds.): Yearbook of Media Education: Networked and Boundary-less – Designing Learning Environments with Digital Media. Wiesbaden, VS-Verlag, pp. 151–164.
Spies, A. & Wolter, J. (2017): Does school social work in primary schools alter teachers’ professional self-image? In: Miller, S./Holler-Nowitzki, B./Kottmann, B./Lesemann, S./Letmathe-Henkel, B./Meyer, N./Schroeder, R./Velten, K. (eds.): Profession and Discipline – Primary School Pedagogy in Discourse. Yearbook of Primary School Research. Volume 22. Wiesbaden, VS-Springer, pp. 228–234.
Spies, A. (2017): Gender as a Structural Category of Professional Practice in School Social Work. In: Speck, K./Olk, T./Hollenstein, E./Nieslony, F. (eds.): Handbook of School Social Work. Volume 1. Weinheim, Beltz-Juventa, pp. 220–227.
Spies, A. (2017): Alliances with an inclusive mandate – Co-operation between schools and youth welfare services in all-day schools. In: Budde, J./Dlugosch, A./Sturm, T. (eds.): (Re-)Constructive Inclusion Research. Lines of Difference – Fields of Action – Empirical Approaches. Opladen, Budrich-Verlag, pp. 33–44.
Akbaş, B., Mecheril, P. & Spies, A. (2017): Early childhood education in a society of migration. In: Albers, T./Amirpur, D./Platte, A. (eds.): Handbook of Inclusive Childhoods. Opladen, UTB-Budrich, pp. 207–221.
Spies, Anke (2017): The Peer-to-Peer Principle of Inquiry-Based Learning. In: Mieg, H./Lehmann, J. (eds.) Inquiry-Based Learning – Theories and Practice. Frankfurt am Main, Campus-Verlag, pp. 129–137.
Spies, Anke / Michaelis, J. / Gerheim, U. / Hinsch, V. (2017): Inquiry-Based Learning in Lower Saxony – The Oldenburg Practical Semester. In: Schüssler, R. / Schwier, V. / Klewin, G. Schicht, S./Schöning, A. Weyland, U. (eds.): The Practical Semester in Teacher Training: Research, Teaching, Reflection. Bad Heilbrunn, Verlag Julius Klinkhardt, pp. 104–110.
Spies, A. & Knapp, K. (2016): School social work and the educational protection of children and young people. Challenges and prospects for co-operation and networking. In: Federal Working Group for Child and Youth Protection (eds.): Youth Protection Goes to School! Child and Youth Protection as a Task of School Social Work. Berlin: Federal Working Group for Child and Youth Protection e.V., pp. 15–45.
Spies, A. & Rainer, H. (2016): The perpetuation of difference? – Counselling from an intersectional perspective. In: V. Fischer/M. Genenger-Stricker/A. Schmidt-Koddenberg (eds.): Diversity and Disparity. Framework for Social Work in Schools (Politics and Education, Vol. 80). Bad Schwalbach/Ts: Wochenschau Verlag. pp. 243–259.
Spies, A. (2016): Caught between structural requirements, concept development and professional self-conceptions: Primary schools and youth welfare services on the path to a cooperative all-day setting. In: Lähnemann, C./Leuthold-Wergin, A./Hagelgans, H./Ritschel, L. (eds.): Professional Co-operation in and with Schools. Findings from Practice-Based Research. Greifswald, MV-Verlag, pp. 117–130.
Publications 2015-2000
Spies, Anke (2015): School social work in the context of the school’s mandate for inclusion. In: Cooperation Network for School Social Work (eds.): Systematically expanding school social work. New challenges and development tasks. Munich, pp. 140–153.
Spies, A. (2015). The Transition from Nursery School to Primary School – The Moment When the Course is Set for Entry into Early Education, or a Mystified Transition within the Education System? In: Wetzel, K. (ed.): Public Education in Structural Change – Upheavals, Crisis Zones, Reform Options. Wiesbaden, VS-Verlag, pp. 33–52
Spies, A. (2014): Gender Issues for Inclusive (Primary) School Development – Indications of Intersectional Interconnections. In: Theurer, C./Siedenbiedel, C./Budde, J. (eds.): Learning and Gender (prolog – Theory and Practice of School Pedagogy, Vol. 22, pp. 68–88). Leverkusen-Opladen: Verlag Barbara Budrich.
De Boer, H./Spies, A. (2014): Cooperation settings in the context of inclusive primary school development. In: Lichtblau, M./Blömer, D./Jüttner, A.-K./Koch, K./Krüger, M./Werning, R. (eds.): Research on inclusive education – teaching and learning differently together. Bad Heilbrunn, Julius Klinkhardt Publishers, pp. 186–198.
Spies, A. (2013): Care through co-operation – networked forms of care as an expression of local authority responsibility for education. In: Wolf, A./Dietrich-Daum, E./ Fleischer, E./Heidegger, M. (eds.): Child Care. Cultures, Concepts and Policies of External Childcare. Weinheim, Basel: Beltz Juventa (66–79)
Spies, A./Pötter, N. (2011): Countering exclusion in the education system – the concept of adaptability. dreizehn. Journal of Youth Social Work, 4(5), pp. 10–13.
Spies, A. (2011): School absenteeism. In: Ehlert, G./Funk, H./Stecklina, G. (eds.): Dictionary of Gender and Social Work. Weinheim et al., Beltz-Juventa, pp. 350–352.
Spies, A. (2011): On Responsibility and Hidden Discourses – Early Parenthood Caught Between Public Perception and Everyday Reality. In: Pohl, A./Stauber, B./Walther, A. (eds.): Young People as Agents of Social Change. Changing Transition Pathways, Structural Barriers and Coping Strategies. Weinheim et al., Beltz-Juventa, pp. 81–108.
Spies, A. (2010): Education from a pedagogical perspective. In: Müller, C./Schulz, F./Thien, U. (eds.): Towards a Youth Integration Concept. Foundations and Challenges in the Face of Changing Life Circumstances for Young People. Münster, LIT-Verlag, pp. 58–61.
Spies, A. (2010): Work. In: Müller, C./Schulz, F./Thien, U. (eds.) (2010) Towards a youth integration concept. Foundations and challenges in the face of changing life circumstances for young people. Münster, LIT-Verlag, pp. 86–89.
Spies, A. (2010): Early Motherhood – A Special Kind of Educational Challenge. In: Spies, A. (ed.) (2010): Early Motherhood – The Range of Educational Perspectives and Tasks in the Face of an Unusual Life Situation. Baltmannsweiler: Schneider Verlag Hohengehren, pp. 9–24.
Spies, A. (2010): Biographical options and educational frameworks for exclusion and recognition – An interdisciplinary search for solutions between baby simulators and student-run companies. In: Spies, A. (ed.) (2010): Early Motherhood – the Range of Pedagogical Perspectives and Tasks in the Face of an Unusual Life Situation. Baltmannsweiler, Schneider Verlag Hohengehren, pp. 147–167.
Spies, A. (2009): Wanted children with good mothers? – The baby simulator as a source of insecurity for disadvantaged girls. In: Villa, P./Thiessen, B. (eds.): Mothers/Fathers. Parenthood between media portrayals and everyday practice. Münster, Westfälisches Dampfboot, pp. 275–289.
Spies, A. (2007): ‘If we have a chance… – let’s make the most of it!’ In: ‘Stand up for strong children!’ Youth is the Future. Proceedings of the 1st Caritas Congress 2007, Berlin, pp. 29–30.
Spies, A. (2006): Working with Parents – Potential for Motivation and a Resource for Support. In: berufsbildung, Journal of Practice and Theory in the Workplace and School, 60(12), 16–19.
Spies, A. (2006): A balancing act or a somersault? – Working with girls at the interface between school and youth welfare services. In: Mädchenarbeit in NRW. No. 8, pp. 10–20.
Spies, A. (2006): Social-educational counselling in schools – A tool for ensuring the transition to work for educationally disadvantaged girls and boys. In: berufsbildung, Journal for Practice and Theory in the Workplace and at School, Vol. 60, March 2006, pp. 67–68.
Spies, A. (2006): Baby simulators: help in planning for motherhood? Designing an evaluation study. In: Poverty and Health, Berlin.
Spies, A./Stecklina, G. (2005): Current developments in all-day schooling and youth welfare. In: Spies, A./Stecklina, G. (eds.): Dimensions and Scope of Developmental Needs (All-Day Schools – Challenges for Schools and Youth Welfare, Vol. 1, pp. 8–21). Bad Heilbrunn: Klinkhardt.
Spies, A. (2005): (School) problems, questions about the future and uncertainties: the need for counselling amongst pupils. In: Spies, A./Stecklina, G. (eds.): The All-Day School – Schools and Youth Welfare Services Faced with the Challenge of Joint Action. Vol. II: No Chance Without Co-operation – Forms of Action and Institutional Conditions, Bad Heilbrunn/Upper Bavaria, Julius Klinkhardt Verlag, pp. 104–119.
Spies, A. (2005): Girls – A blind spot with far-reaching consequences? In: Spies, A./Stecklina, G. (eds.): The All-Day School – Schools and Youth Welfare Services Facing the Challenge of Joint Action. Vol. II: No Chance Without Co-operation – Forms of Action and Institutional Conditions, Bad Heilbrunn/Obb., Julius Klinkhardt Verlag, pp. 58–71.
Spies, A. (2004): Future Prospects and Opportunities for Success. Interim evaluation of the model projects ORIENT – Learning Region and EQUAL – Bridge to Employment, P.p. commissioned by the project funding body Initiative für Beschäftigung in Westfalen GmbH, Oldenburg/Münster. (unpublished)
Spies, A. (2004): Berta Pappenheim’s Approach to Case Understanding. A Historical Snapshot. In: Schrapper, C. (ed.): Social Pedagogical Assessment and Case Understanding in Youth Welfare. Weinheim, Beltz-Juventa, pp. 27–38.
Spies, A. (2004): Gender mainstreaming in social pedagogy training and further education programmes – key or lock for the further development of gender-differentiated youth welfare that promotes girls? In: Bruhns, K. (ed.): Gender Studies in Child and Youth Welfare. Current Practice and Research Perspectives, Wiesbaden, VS-Verlag, pp. 317–332.
Spies, Anke (2004): Review of: Schauder, Thomas: The Fates of Children in Care. Case Studies and Suggestions for Parents and Caregivers of Children with Behavioural Difficulties. Weinheim: Beltz 2003. In: Erziehungswissenschaftliche Revue 3 (2004) 2 (Published on 25 April 2004).
Spies, Anke (2004): Review of: Ryan, Tony/Walker, Rodger: Where Do I Belong? Biographical Work with Children and Young People. 2nd revised and expanded edition. Weinheim: Juventa, 2003. In: Erziehungswissenschaftliche Revue 3 (2004) 2 (Published on 25 April 2004).
Schrapper, C./Spies, A. (2002): What’s going on in the countryside? – Structural deficits as a challenge for youth welfare services. In: Theory and Practice of Social Work, (1), 50–56.
Schrapper, C./Spies, A. (2002): Young people in rural areas. In: Sozialmagazin, 27(1), 62–63.
Schrapper, C./Spies, A. (2002): Young people in rural areas: Being young in the Westerwald. In: unsere jugend, 54(4), 163–170.
Spies, A. (2002): Learning to understand – biographical case analysis as the basis for needs-based intervention in cases of violence. In: Sozialmagazin, 27(7/8), 60–65.
Spies, A./Zitelmann, M. (2002): The need for upbringing, education and the provision of sufficient experiences. In: Salgo, L./Zenz, G. et al. (eds.): Guardianship for Children and Young People. A Handbook for Practice. Bonn, Bundesanzeiger-Verlag, pp. 159–165.
Spies, A. (2000): “Who was I, actually?” Memory and coming to terms with sexual violence. Frankfurt am Main, campus.
Editorships
Spies, A./Stecklina, G. (Eds.) (2005): The All-Day School – Schools and Youth Welfare Services Facing the Challenge of Joint Action. Bad Heilbrunn/Obb., Julius Klinkhardt Publishers, 2 volumes:
- Vol. I: Dimensions and Scope(s) of Developmental Needs.
- Vol. II: No Chance Without Co-operation – Forms of Action and Institutional Conditions.
Projects
Spies, Anke (2006): Life planning with the baby simulator - concepts, realisation and scope of a sexual education prevention concept. Interim report of the evaluation study. Funded by the Foundation German Youth Brand. Oldenburg. (unpublished)
Spies, Anke (2006): Model project ORIENT - Learning Region. Evaluation report commissioned by the project funding organisation Initiative für Beschäftigung in Westfalen GmbH, Oldenburg/Münster. (unpublished)
Spies, Anke (2006): EQUAL-PASS. Scientific advice - recommendations for further development. commissioned by the project funding organisation Initiative für Beschäftigung in Westfalen GmbH. Münster/Oldenburg. (unpublished)
Spies, Anke (2004): Future opportunities and profit perspectives. Interim evaluation of the pilot projects ORIENT- Lernende Region and EQUAL - Brücke zum Beruf on behalf of the project funding organisation Initiative für Beschäftigung in Westfalen GmbH, Oldenburg/Münster. (unpublished)
Spies, Anke/Schrapper, Christian (2001) "Being young in the Westerwald. Life and leisure situation of young people in the Westerwald" The AWO youth study. Wirges.
Spies, Anke/Schrapper, Christian (2000) "Leben in den Mittelweiden - Situation, problems and perspectives of the tenants of Wohnbau GmbH Koblenz in the residential area in den Mittelweiden" Koblenz.
Project poster

Spies, Anke/Chamakalayil, Lalitha (2008): Infant simulator projects with disadvantaged girls: Marginalising with the best of intentions? XXIX International Congress of Psychology, Berlin, 20-25 July 2008.
Spies, Anke/Chamakalayil, Lalitha (2008): "...and that's why we also have dark dolls..." - When sex education reaches its 'intercultural limits'. "Cultures of Education" - 21st Congress of the German Society for Educational Science (DGfE). 16-19 March 2008, Dresden.
Spies, Anke/Chamakalayil, Lalitha (2007): Baby simulators - the quantitative distribution of staging. Mothers/Fathers. Parenthood between media productions and everyday practices. International conference at the Leibniz University of Hanover, 4-6 October 2007.
Lectures
Winter term 2026 / 2027
Summer term 2026