Traveling Germany’s Luther Trail
"The Fund For Teachers experience will add to your teaching in more ways than you first realize; it will seep into other areas of your teaching when you least expect it. I have a greater sense of world history because of it."
-Matt Ferguson
The Luther Stone in Stotternheim, Germany, where Martin Luther got caught in a storm and vowed to become a monk, setting in gear the events that would lead to the Reformation.
Middle school social studies teachers Mandi Bentz (Gateway Middle School, Maumee City Schools) and Matt Ferguson (Perrysburg Junior High School) received a Jennings Fund For Teachers grant in 2019 to travel primarily to three cities in Germany – Erfurt, Wittenburg, and Eisleben - which were influential locales in the life of Protestant Reformation leader, Martin Luther.
Why did you apply for a Jennings Fund For Teachers Grant?
Matt: Mandie and I met writing online social studies curriculum for 7th grade students. The unit we had the most difficulty with was the Protestant Reformation. We couldn’t possibly write a student-led curriculum because everything out there online was way above the middle school level.
That’s what really pushed us to apply for this grant. We thought if we could go to Germany ourselves (where Martin Luther is somewhat of a George Washington-like figure), learn from educators there, and bring those experiences back to our students, we could make the topic much more relevant to them.
Mandie: FFT also gave us the chance to work collaboratively despite working in different districts, which was a unique opportunity.
“We were excited to learn deeply on an international trip that was focused on our curriculum. Finding Fund for Teachers helped us make our professional dreams come true!”
- Mandie Bentz
What were you most excited to learn about before going on your trip?
Mandie: I was most excited to go to the city of Erfurt. This city provides much of the story of the Protestant Reformation and where we might glimpse the personal reformation of Martin Luther that could help us make connections with our students. This idea of creating one’s own change in the world was what drove our studies, and the thought of getting to be in places where Luther found his inspiration and cemented his education was a really thrilling prospect!
Matt: Just being able to see Erfurt, which has a time capsule quality to it. It hasn’t really changed since Martin Luther’s time. They say he would recognize it if he were walking down the streets today.
Was this your first international trip and were you apprehensive at all?
Mandie: This was my first trip to a non-English speaking country. I was really nervous that the language would be a barrier for us; however we read a lot about the culture and the country beforehand, which helped us to realize that most Germans would speak English. We were able to find experiences that would help move us toward our learning goals. Planning was an awesome part of the FFT experience!
Matt: This was my first trip abroad and my nerves were flying through the roof before I left. I felt an awesome responsibility because people were investing in me and putting a lot of trust in me to go to Germany and learn. I wondered not only did I pack what I needed; but have I done all the research I need to; am I going to the right places; considering the language barrier, will I be able to get to the all the right places?
Did anything happen during your trip that was unexpected?
Matt: We met a gentleman in a hotel in Frankfurt who told us we should visit the Gutenberg Museum. We had no intention of going there, but it was the invention of the printing press that allowed Martin Luther to spread his ideas. So it was a totally unexpected benefit!
What do you hope to impart to your students due to this experience?
Mandie: I am excited to share the role of education in Luther’s stance. In Erfurt, we were able to understand Luther as a student and see the places where he poured effort and focus into his studies that would create the guiding principles of his life. We learn history to better understand ourselves but also to make conscious decisions about the paths we will take in the future. If students are going to make their own change in the world they first need to know the principles they will stand for.
Matt: Our whole idea is to explore what the Reformation means to our students’ lives today. We think of it as a religious movement but it was also a political movement; it totally changed the face of Europe, and in a sense it still speaks to us today in terms of freedom of expression. I want them to think about ways they can improve their community.
Matt Ferguson introduces the subject of the Protestant Reformation to his students at Perrysburg Junior High School by sharing a poster depicting Martin Luther.
Do you have any advice you could share with colleagues who might like to apply for a FFT grant?
Mandie: I would wholeheartedly endorse the efforts necessary to become a FFT fellow. Begin with a complete understanding of the goal(s) of your experience and ensure that all of your planning aims toward that end.
Matt: Narrow your focus. Choose a place where you can learn more about a specific topic and bring those experiences back to your students. This will also add to your teaching in more ways than you realize. It will seep into other areas when you least expect it. I now have a better sense of world history, which is what I teach.