Johann Julius Hecker

Johann Julius Hecker (December 2, 1707 – June 24, 1768) was a German educator who established the first Realschule (practical high school) and Prussia's first teacher-education institution.

After completing the gymnasium in Essen, he studied theology, ancient languages, medicine, and natural sciences at the University of Halle.

In 1729 he became a teacher in the Francke Pädagogium, teaching every subject, including Latin, Greek, Hebrew, German, religion, history, arithmetic, botany, anatomy, physiology, and chemistry.

[3] In his role as pastor of Trinity Church, Hecker started six four-class elementary schools for education of the local populace.

The school emphasized visual and hands-on instruction, including visits to factories and artisans' workshops, instead of rote learning.