Dates and location: November 3–4, 2025, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Organizers: The World Bank, Learning Systems Institute at Florida State University (LSI@FSU), and UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA)
Background: Globally, there is a critical shortage of qualified teachers, with an estimated additional 44 million primary and secondary school teachers and 6 million preprimary teachers needed by 2030. High-quality initial teacher education (ITE) and continuous professional development (CPD) are crucial for addressing this challenge and ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all. This event aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing to improve teacher preparation and professional development worldwide.
Overall objective: To raise awareness and build coalitions for change to prepare and support sustainable cadres of talented and committed teachers, equipped to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
Themes:
- The teaching profession: Status, attractiveness, well-being, and job satisfaction.
- Initial teacher education (ITE): Selection, content, and field placement experiences.
- Induction: Supporting teachers’ transition in to their first positions.
- Teacher shortages and un/under-qualified teachers: Complementary ITE strategies.
- Continuous professional development (CPD): Cost-effective approaches and career paths.
- School leaders: Pivotal role in enhancing teachers’ preparation and professional development.
Cross-cutting themes include technology to support teacher preparation and professional development, quality assurance, and leading and aligning institutions for change.
Participants: The event expects 250-350 participants, including policymakers, government officials, academic leaders, teacher unions, school and district administrators, researchers, NGOs, private sector representatives, ITE and CPD providers, and teachers.
Event format: The two-day event will include keynote speeches, presentations, interactive sessions, panel discussions, poster sessions, and an exhibition hall. The World Bank's upcoming report, "From Prospective to Prepared Teacher: A Global Study of Initial Teacher Education," will be featured, along with other recent research and publications, including the Africa Teachers Report Series published jointly by UNESCO IICBA and the African Union.
Outcomes: Event proceedings, including materials, key discussion points, conclusions, and announcements of future activities, will be shared after the event. These proceedings will serve as a valuable resource for ongoing efforts at regional and country levels.