The tutoring network 'Zielscheibe' was founded on June 3, 2020 in Essen. What began in the midst of the first lockdown is today an intercultural educational network with extensive institutional partnerships and tailored tutoring programs for children, youth, and adults.
Since our founding, we have accompanied more than 800 people on their educational journey.
« At Zielscheibe, no child is left behind. »
We have seen how many children lose their connection in the school system, not because they lack willingness or intelligence, but because they lack individual attention, time, or the right learning methods. That is precisely where we start.
Zielscheibe emerged during an extraordinary time.
During the first Covid lockdown, many families were suddenly faced with managing school and homeschooling alone. Not all parents could provide sufficient support. At the same time, existing learning gaps became more pronounced.
This was especially difficult for children who already required more support due to learning challenges, language barriers, or complex family situations. From this experience grew our vision: providing 1:1 individualized tutoring centered on the child, regardless of background or financial means.
Children learn differently. One asks questions immediately; another remains silent.
Some students need support to close substantial knowledge gaps. Others want to improve grades, achieve admission to a specific school track, or prepare for exams. Language hesitation also often prevents children from showcasing their true potential in large classrooms.
In 1:1 tutoring, we look closely: What has the student already mastered? Where are the actual hurdles? How does this child learn best? Our aim is not to create perpetual dependency on tutoring, but to cultivate autonomy and self-confidence. 'Learning how to learn' is a foundational cornerstone.
Owner, Founder & Lecturer for DaF/DaZ
« Zielscheibe did not arise merely as a business concept. Much of what the company stands for today is deeply rooted in my personal life journey. »
I arrived in Germany as an immigrant myself and know firsthand what it means to arrive in a new environment, learn a new language, and build a life step by step. As a child of war, I also understand the pain of missing home and family while having to look forward.
Education and language were always my cornerstone. With Zielscheibe, I wanted to give back some of the opportunities this society afforded me. It was vital to me from the start that no child gets left behind.
For many years, I have been teaching German as a foreign and second language in adult education. As early as 2020, the VHS Essen officially certified more than 6,000 teaching units as an instructor. At Zielscheibe, I guide adult learners specifically along their individual learning journey – from everyday language improvement to official exam preparation. Classes take place one-on-one or in small groups, both on-site in Essen and nationwide online.
As a multilingual lecturer, I convey linguistic connections clearly across language boundaries. When needed, I can clarify complex grammatical structures in English or South Slavic languages (Croatian, Bosnian, Serbian, Montenegrin). Alongside German, I also teach these South Slavic languages, combining years of experience in adult education with an empathetic understanding of how differently people acquire a new language.
« Every child deserves an individual opportunity, and every family deserves a reliable partner at eye level. »
As Coordinator and Educational Consultant at Zielscheibe, I support families from their very first contact. I take the time to understand each student's academic background and personal challenges to design the ideal learning path.
In addition to coordinating pedagogically with our teaching team, I assist parents with BuT educational funding applications and ensure smooth schedules across our learning centers and online classes.
Educational consulting, family guidance, tutor coordination, and reliable BuT support for families in Essen and across the Ruhr area.
Coordinator & Educational Consultant
Today, Zielscheibe brings together around 45 freelance educators and one permanent employee.
A large portion of our tutors study education (teaching degree). We also count specialists and students from computer science, engineering, civil engineering, economics, and social pedagogy.
Our team is highly intercultural and multilingual, which significantly facilitates trusting communication with families from diverse backgrounds.
The qualifications of our educators are systematically verified: high school diplomas, active university certificates, language certifications, police clearance certificates, and teaching references.
Zielscheibe stands for equal opportunities, individual appreciation, and trustworthy cooperation. Our six core values form the foundation of every tutoring session.
Origin, language, or family background must never dictate a child's educational potential.
We focus on the human individual and actual learning needs, beyond mere report card grades.
We convey sustainable learning strategies, study organization, and genuine comprehension.
Respect, openness, and appreciative eye-level communication guide our daily work.
Our intercultural team reflects the rich human diversity of the students we accompany.
Parents, schools, and public authorities can rely on transparent documentation and structure.
Kommunale Kooperationspartner
Schulische & außerschulische Bildung
Gezielte Unterstützung für Familien
Starkes Netzwerk im Ruhrgebiet
Erfolgreich realisierte Kooperationen
Zielscheibe works in close partnership with public institutions, schools, and organizations:
Über 24 offizielle Träger, Ämter und gemeinnützige Einrichtungen vertrauen auf unsere gezielte Lernförderung. Gemeinsam schaffen wir verlässliche Bildungsbrücken für Kinder und Jugendliche.
Whether closing learning gaps or preparing for graduation exams: the human individual always comes first.
