Concept Note PDF
DRAFT FOR CONSULTATION: Jan 10, 2024
Background
To realize inclusive and equitable quality education for all, education systems require a cadre of well-prepared and well-supported teachers. Teachers profoundly impact students’ learning outcomes and well-being, with a great teacher capable of advancing student learning by the equivalent of multiple years of schooling. As the cornerstone of education systems, teachers play a crucial role in shaping future generations. However, globally, the recruitment and retention of highly skilled teachers remain challenging, with an estimated need for an additional 44 million primary and secondary teachers by 2030.
Quality initial teacher education lays the foundation for teachers’ career-long development, equipping them with the essential knowledge, competencies, and skills for effective teaching. Continuous professional development ensures that teachers grow as lifelong learners, adapting to new educational demands, and leading change. By investing in both initial and ongoing teacher education, governments can build a robust teaching workforce capable of meeting the diverse needs of students and fulfilling the promise of education.
The World Bank and the Learning Systems Institute at Florida State University (LSI@FSU) are collaborating to convene a two-day global knowledge exchange on teacher preparation and development.
Delegates profile
The event will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders who are involved in designing, delivering, and maintaining the quality of teacher preparation and development. This includes education policymakers and government officials responsible for teacher preparation and development, academic leaders, teacher representative organizations, school and district-level administrators, researchers, NGOs, private sector, initial teacher education providers, and educators.
Objective, themes, and outcomes
The overall objective of the event is to raise awareness and build coalitions for change around preparing and developing sustainable cadres of teachers who possess the talent, commitment, and support necessary to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
The specific objectives are:
1.
To facilitate peer-to-peer learning through the sharing of the latest research findings, policy guidance, strategic insights, and global experiences related to teacher preparation and development.
2.
To create opportunities for policymakers, education experts, and researchers to connect and build professional networks focused on teacher preparation and development.
3.
To promote the implementation of evidence-informed policies that support effective teacher preparation and development.
The event will address various themes related to teacher preparation and development, including attracting and selecting future teachers, initial teacher education, induction programs, support for unqualified or underqualified teachers, continuous professional development; career pathways and retention, leveraging digital technologies, and quality assurance.
The outcomes of the event will be documented in the proceedings, which will be shared shortly after the event. These will include the event materials, key discussion points and conclusions, and announcements of future activities. To leverage the learning and dialogue, and to continue raising awareness at regional and country levels, these proceedings will serve as a valuable resource for ongoing efforts.
Dates and location
The event will take place on Monday, June 23 and Tuesday, June 24, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Partnerships
We are excited to invite partners to contribute to the success of this event by fostering collaborative dialogue and ensuring broad representation. Your support in covering the travel, accommodation, and per diem expenses for delegates from low- and middle-income countries will be instrumental in achieving these goals. If interested in supporting this event, please contact Laura Gregory at LGregory1@worldbank.org.
Fees and travel costs
Registration is open to all, but space is limited. There is no registration fee (TBC). Please note that participants are responsible for organizing their own travel and accommodation.
For questions regarding the participation of ministerial delegations, please contact us at: teacherconference_2025@worldbank.org.
Sessions
The event will include keynote speeches, presentations, interactive sessions, panel discussions, poster sessions, and an exhibition hall.
Contact
Further information and registration details will be available on the event website. In the meantime, for any questions or to added to our email list for future notifications, please contact us at teacherconference_2025@worldbank.org.
Tentative agenda
This agenda is subject to adjustments. The final agenda will be shared on the event website.
Time |
Session |
Activities |
Day 1 Setting the Stage |
||
08:30–09:00 |
Registration |
|
09:00–09:50 |
Opening session |
Welcome, opening remarks, and cultural performance Speakers: Moderator, hosts, and key organizing partners |
09:50–10:10 |
Keynote address 1 |
Educators are shaping futures Speaker: International teacher representative |
10:10–11:00 |
Reverse panel (audience as experts) |
What needs to change in teacher preparation and development? Experts (moderators) ask open-ended questions, guiding the audience to reflect and share their knowledge. |
11:00–11:30 |
Coffee break & networking |
|
11:30–13:00 |
Parallel sessions 1 |
Session 1a: Session 1b: Session 1c: |
13:00–14:00 |
Lunch break & poster session |
|
14:00–15:30 |
Parallel sessions 2 |
Session 2a: Session 2b: Session 2c: |
15:30–17:00 |
Expert flash talks, policy perspectives, and audience solutions |
Setting teachers up for success with high-quality initial teacher education Speakers: experts and policymakers, with facility for audience interaction |
17:00–18:00 |
Free time |
|
18:00 – 20:00 |
Welcome dinner |
Cocktail style – networking |
Day 2: Deepening the Dialogue |
||
09:00–09:10 |
Welcome and recap |
Speaker: Moderator |
09:10–09:30 |
Keynote address 2 |
Evidence-informed practices in teacher preparation and development Speaker: International teacher education expert |
09:30–11:00 |
Parallel sessions 3 |
Session 3a: Session 3b: Session 3c: |
11:00–11:30 |
Coffee break & networking |
|
11:30–13:00 |
Parallel sessions 4 |
Session 4a: Session 4b: Session 4c: |
13:00–14:10 |
Lunch break & poster session |
|
14:10–14:30 |
Keynote address 3 |
Leading reforms on teacher preparation and development Speaker: Teacher policymaker |
14:30–16:00 |
Expert flash talks, policy perspectives, and audience solutions |
Empowering teachers through high-quality professional development and flexible career pathways Speakers: experts and policymakers, with facility for audience interaction |
16:00–17:00 |
Closing session |
Summary of key takeaways Closing Remarks Announcement of future initiatives |