Elderly physical education instructor eager for upcoming holiday break.
In his mid-sixties, Manfred Lüssenhop retired as a physical education teacher in Lower Saxony, but continued working at the same school for an additional 15 years. His dedication to the job remains strong. Despite his criticism, he's highly regarded.
While exhibiting his basketball shooting skills in the refurbished gym, Lüssenhop explains the throwing technique and wrist roll in a methodical manner. Skilled in all ball games, the 80-year-old teacher was a tennis and table tennis player in professional leagues. Recognizable among the Lieth-Oberschool staff in Bad Fallingbostel is the man with red-framed glasses and a black training suit. "He's an outstanding colleague, the students adore him," says school principal Andreas Dzionsko. "He has a knack for teaching."
Dzionsko is familiar with him, as he learned the basics of table tennis from Lüssenhop at the club when he was just ten. "He's a true relic. You can tell he enjoys it," says Dzionsko, chuckling. Known as Eddi among his colleagues, the cheerful Lüssenhop looks forward to the summer break even in his old age. "You need a break from the students, school has become demanding," he notes. Retired in 2009 after turning 65, Lüssenhop agreed to work hourly for 14 hours a week immediately after retiring.
For five decades, Lüssenhop has been teaching at the same school, primarily the fifth and sixth grades. "I enjoy it, I'm from a sports background. I've been fortunate, I don't have back problems or anything like that. I'm in good shape," asserts Lüssenhop, father of two grown children - self-proclaimed as the oldest teacher in the public school system in Germany.
Lüssenhop combats indifference and teacher shortage
However, it's a symptom of a struggling education system that a senior like Lüssenhop takes on the responsibilities of the desperately needed experts. "There's a lack of incentives for teachers, the motivation to pursue a career in education is low under the harsh conditions in the schools," explains school principal Dzionsko. The teaching landscape has changed, Lüssenhop notes: "There are remarkable students, but some of them don't care."
Sports equipment is often disregarded, the students' focus turning solely towards their personal lives. The smartphone and TikTok take precedence over communal learning. "Some colleagues need a quarter of an hour to calm the students down," he reports. Worryingly, the number of non-swimmers is on the rise, with around 8 out of 22 students usually unable to keep themselves afloat. "Some had never been in a swimming pool before."
Read also:
Lüssenhop's continued service at the school is a testament to the need for experienced educators in the face of international education policy, which often struggles with teacher shortage and low motivation. His ability to engage senior students in physical education activities, despite the challenges posed by technological distractions, is a valuable asset in combating indifference and promoting lifelong learning.
