Lecturer in the Spotlight: Silke Regel

Can you share a bit about your journey leading up to BUas? 

Silke: ‘My dad always wanted me to be a teacher, but I was like, "No way!" Turns out, he was right all along. I really love teaching at BUas. But my first love was print. It all started with a summer job at a local newspaper. I found myself writing small press pieces about local events, bands, and council meetings, all while finishing school. I realised I liked media.’  

‘In the '90s, I moved from local print journalism to a magazine in Munich, then on to a local TV station, and eventually ended up working for working for ZDF, the German public service broadcaster. I started as a writer and content editor but also took on filming, editing, and even hosting. I handled everything from organising interviews to writing scripts and shaping the narrative structure.’  

‘The person who got me to join BUas (back then NTHV) was my fellow teacher Silke Hassreiter. We had worked together at the local TV station and remained friends even after our professional paths diverged. In 2009, she invited me to Breda to apply for a content teacher position. Originally, I meant to stay for only a year or two, but I’m still here, and I still love it.’ 

What do you like about working in education? 

Silke: ‘Honestly, my dad was right. I never saw myself in education, but once I got into it, I realised how much I enjoyed it. The outside world can be tough, but when I’m in a classroom full of idealistic, creative young people, I feel a sense of hope and excitement. They don’t think it’s too late to make a difference. Working with them and seeing the lightbulb moments when they understand a concept or discover their own voice as storytellers inspires me each day.’   

‘Plus, students challenge me. They ask, "Why do we do it this way?" and they force me to keep up with trends. Being a teacher keeps me from getting stuck in old habits. It’s like we are learning together.'    

Who has been your biggest influence or mentor in your career? 

Silke: ‘One of my teachers in advanced education back in the '90s left a big impression on me. Unlike other teachers who simply gave us answers, he challenged us to think for ourselves. He would ask, "What if you change this, or that?" and we would often fail at first. But that’s how I learned to engage in discussions.’   

‘That experience has shaped how I teach today. I try to really listen to my students, to see where they are coming from and help them form their own conclusions. It’s not just about handing them information, it’s about giving them the tools to apply it in their own way.’   

What aspects of working at BUas do you find most fulfilling?   

Silke: ‘I really enjoy the project work, especially when it's done in smaller groups. It reminds me of working on a real TV show. The intensity of collaborating closely with students, where they take responsibility and we all feel like part of the same team, is something I like very much.’   

‘I once had a student tell me during their graduation, "I learned so much from you, not just as a student, but as a person." That meant everything to me. It’s not just about passing on technical skills and knowledge; for me, it’s about creating meaningful connections between people.’    

What do you enjoy doing outside of your work? 

Silke: ‘I am into photography, and I love storytelling in all its forms. Wherever I go, I seem to attract people who want to share their stories with me. It always feels special to experience those moments of honest connection.’    

‘I also enjoy going to galleries, doing craft projects, taking walks in nature, and going to concerts. Music and art fuel my creativity in different ways.’    

What advice would you give to students who want to make it in the media industry? 

Silke: ‘Media is a powerful vehicle for stories. Stories can divide or unite us. Think carefully about the "why,” "how," and "who is it for" when you choose stories that hopefully help people understand each other better. And in a way, that is what teaching is for me: building bridges between generations and cultures by helping my students find their voice.’    

For more insights and updates from Silke Regel, visit her LinkedIn profile.