Editior’s Note
Empowering Education:
Editor’s Reflections and Future Directions
Educationisthefoundationof progressanddevelopmentin thesociety.Ithasthepowerto transformlives,upliftcommunitiesand drivepositivechange.Thelandscape ofeducationisconstantlyadvancing shapedbyemergingtrends, technologicaladvancementsand shiftingsocietalneeds.
Empoweringeducationencompasses equippingindividualswiththeskills, resourcesandmindsetneededtothrive inanever-changingworld.It emphasizesfosteringcriticalthinking, creativityandadaptability, empoweringlearnerstobecomeactive participantsintheirownlearning journey.
Atthecoreofempoweringeducation liestherecognitionofeachindividual’s uniquestrengths,interestsand aspirations.Itvaluesdiversityand inclusion,ensuringthatalllearners haveaccesstoqualityeducation regardlessoftheirbackgroundor circumstances.Empoweringeducation
createsopportunitiesforevery individualtoreachtheirfullpotential andcontributemeaningfullytosociety bynurturingacultureofrespect, collaborationandempathy.
Future Directions
Lookingahead,thefutureof empoweringeducationholdsgreat promiseandpotential.Aswemove forward,severalkeydirectionswill shapeitsadvancement.
Embracingtechnologywillcontinueto revolutionizelearningandteaching methods.Fromonlineplatformsto virtualreality,technologyoffers personalizedandinteractivelearning experiences.Educatorscantailor instructiontoindividualneeds, facilitatecollaborationandexpand accesstoeducation.
Promotinglifelonglearningwillbe essentialintherapidlychangingworld. Educationalinstitutions,employersand governmentswillcollaboratetocreate acultureofcontinuouslearning
offeringflexiblepathwaysandsupport foradultlearnerstothriveina knowledge-driveneconomy.
Thesedirectionsrepresentjustafewof themanypathwayseducationis forgingaheadtowards.Thefutureof empoweringeducationisbrightand fullofpossibilities.Byembracing thesedirections,wecancreateaworld whereeveryindividualhasthe opportunitytolearn,growandthrive. Discoverthestoriesoftheinspirational leadersshapingtheeducationalsector in "Most Inspirational Leaders Empowering the Educational Sector, 2024 ''
Join us as we delve into their transformative impact and glean insights for a brighter future in education!
-Maria Christopher
v
Most Inspirational Leaders
Empowering the
Education
Sector, 2024
Designation Featuring Brief
Michael E. Spencer
CEO/Founder, Global Expansion Strategies (GES)
Associate Professor, The British University, Dubai Principal, The ABC International School
Michael believes that visionary leaders in the education sector are those who can foresee future trends and devise inventive solutions to address the industry’s problems.
With a passion for interdisciplinary education, he aims to inspire students to become lifelong learners and global citizens equipped to tackle complex challenges in the modern world.
Steven believes that the essence of education lies in nurturing the potential of each student, fostering a culture of curiosity, creativity and critical thinking
Thomas MJ Wingate
Head of Digital Infrastructure and Services, Radix
Co-owner and Head Teacher, The Wingate School
With over 12 years of experience, Thiago has a multidisciplinary background that spans digital technology, data, automation, and software technology, with extensive global expertise in asset performance.
Thomas envisions a future where he can establish a learning environment that positively impacts students’ lives. He aims to provide a platform that demonstrates academic excellence, imparts moral values and spreads happiness.
Steven Shaw
Solomon David
Thiago Bacic
Editor-in-Chief Mary D'souza
Managing Editor
Contributing Editor Maria Christopher Anish David
Art & Design Head
Co-designer David King Raul Belin
Business Development Executive
Sr Sales Manager Alice Smith Amy Wilson
Technical Consultants
Technical Head David, Robert Jacob Smile
Marketing Manager Digital
Circulation Manager Eric Smith Mark Clain
CORPORATE OFFICE
Michael E. Spencer
Empowering Ed-tech Companies to Provide Quality Educa on Worldwide
Cover Story
We focus par cularly on solu ons in ESL, socialemo onal learning, wellbeing, safeguarding, core subjects, professional development and career prepara on and accelera on.
Michael E. Spencer CEO/Founder, Global Expansion Strategies (GES)
Theed-techindustryis flourishingasdigital approachesrevolutionizethe waysthatschoolsandeducational institutionsaroundtheworldteach theirstudents.Hybridandblended learningaretransformingtraditional teachingmethods,makinglearning moreaccessible,engaging,and student-centric.Thisnewwaveof personalizedlearningisbeing implementedbyinspiringed-tech companiesthataimtoempower studentstoexploresubjectsattheir
ownpace,fosteringadeeper understandingofconceptsand providingaccesstoqualityeducation atscaleregardlessofgeographic location.
MichaelE.Spencer,CEO/Founder ofGlobalExpansionStrategies (GES),isrenownedforfacilitating successinthiseducationallandscape. Hehasmorethanthirtyyearsof experienceintheed-techindustry AfterearninganMBA,hiscareertook anunexpectedturnwhenhe
co-foundedabusinessproducing portablewordprocessorsandtyping tutorsforK-8students;thisattracted customersfromeducationalinstitutions searchingforanaffordable,effective waytoteachwritingcomposition. Michaelquicklyrealizedhowmuchhe lovedassistingeducationcompaniesto gainareputationandbuildmomentum, bothnationallyandinternationally.
Helaterrealizedthataparadigmshift wasabouttooccurasonlineeducation startedtotakeshape,sohebegan collaboratingwithearly-andmid-stage ed-techcompaniestogrow internationallybyreachingMinistries ofEducation,extensivenetworksof schooloperators,educationfranchises, andinternationaleducationpublishers. TheCOVID-19pandemicchanged everything.Globally,educational establishmentshavetransitionedto diverseremote,hybrid,andblended learningapproaches.GlobalExpansion Strategiesswiftlybecametheindustry leaderinhelpinged-techbusinesses growinternationally Aswellas supportingbusinessestogenerate steady,recurringrevenuestreams, GlobalExpansionStrategiesalsohelp themobtainfundingandpreparefor profitableexits.
OnaMissiontoTransformthe EducationalLandscape
GlobalExpansionStrategiesprimarily focusesonAI-poweredsolutionsfor customizedlearningexperiencesin ESL,social-emotionallearning,wellbeing,safeguarding,coresubjects, professionaldevelopmentandcareer preparationandacceleration. Numerousextensivepilotsandschool implementationsacrossLATAM, SoutheastAsia,theMiddleEast,India, andtheUnitedStatesarebeingcarried outyearlybyGESportfolio companies.
"Academics"vs."Economies"StrategiestoOvercomeChallenges
InMichael'sexperience,manyed-tech entrepreneursareex-teachers, administrators,andeducatorswhoare driventofacilitatethebestoutcomes fortheirstudentsandwhopossess valuableinsightsabouthowtoimprove theirlearning.Buildingaproductthat satisfieseducators'requirementsand students'needsisanessentialfirststep, buttherecomesapointwhere "economics"and"academics"collide.
Manyearlyandmid-stage entrepreneursintheed-techspaceare moreconcernedwithpedagogythan revenue. "Simply put, " saysMichael, "If you don't secure scalable and recurring revenue early to fund your product roadmap or ongoing operations, even the most effective classroom tool won't keep your business afloat." Toomanyexcellent businessesrunoutofmoneybefore theycanmakeanimpactbecausethey getentangledinprotractedUSsales cycles.
Bybringingdecadesofexperiencein thefieldofeducationandawellestablishedglobalreputation,GEScan helped-techcompaniesovercomethis challengebyexplainingtofounders thataninternationalsalesstrategycan generatesignificantscalablerevenue monthsorevenyearsaheadofa domesticstrategyalone,without postponingthelatter.Thereisalsono needtodevelopanentirelynew productorstrategytosellto internationalschools.Allaroundthe world,educatorsandstudentsfacethe samefundamentalneedsand difficulties.
Michaelmaintainsthatthekeyisto capitalizeonthefounders' strengths—thatis,tomatchamarket needineducationwithasolution—and enlistthehelpofglobalspecialistslike
Our mission is to help early and mid-stage ed-tech companies expand globally and diversify their revenue streams to enable sustainable growth –in order to maximize transforma ve student outcomes in a post-pandemic era.
GEStoassistthefoundersinareas wheretheylackexperience.For instance,theroutetakenbehindthe scenestoclosethedealiscrucialto successfulsaleswithinternational schools.Newed-techsolutionswon't takeoffunlesspresentedinawaythe localmarketrequires,justlike domesticmarkets.Foundersrisklosing timeandmoneyiftheydon'tconduct thiskindofduediligencebefore releasingaproduct.
VisionaryLeadershipStrategies
Michaelbelievesthatvisionaryleaders intheeducationsectorarethosewho canforeseefuturetrendsanddevise inventivesolutionstoaddressthe industry'sproblems.Asaninnovative, future-focusedleader,hehasan instinctiveabilitytograsptheendgoal ofaned-techsolutionandunderstands howtotailorittosuiteducational institutionsinvariousgeographical contextsusinganynumberofhybridor blendedlearningmodels.
Inhiswords, "You need to know how local schools work and what they require to make those schools fully aware of the benefits of your solution."
Ensuringthattheschoolhas appropriateprofessionaldevelopment iscriticalforallstakeholdersto implementandmanageed-tech solutionseffectively.
AnInnovativeVenture
Michaelapproacheshisworkinavery
dynamicway.Toensurethesmooth implementationofed-techsolutions, GESpilotsthetechnologiesbefore introducingthemtonewlargeschool operators,ministriesofeducation, educationfranchises,orpublishers worldwide.Toincorporatethat feedbackintotheplatform,theyalso inquireaboutthespecificfeaturesor benefitsthatthestaffseesasaidingthe organizationtoachievethebest possiblestudentoutcomes.
Tohighlightonespecificproject,a globalschooloperatorrequested advicefromGESabouttheirbilingual programandsuggestionstoenhance students'speaking,writing,andreading skills.GESsuggestedutilizing standalone,AI-basedsolutionsthat camepackagedwithinoneLMS:one forreading,oneforwriting,andone forspeakingandpronunciation. Middleandhighschoolstudentsacross variousglobalregionssaw improvementsinallthreeareasinless thanayear
We support founders drawn from around the world, working in areas aligned to our core company values and pursuing the same fundamental mission: to op mize student outcomes and ensure equitable access to high-quality learning opportuni es for all.
EmbracingTechnologyinEducation
ForMichael, "Ed-tech promises to enable transformative learning experiences delivered at radically reduced cost and providing equal access to opportunities." Ithasbeen widelyknownformanyyearsthat individualizedsupport,observation, feedback,andhighlearner accountabilityhaveasignificant impactonlearningoutcomes.
Thephrase"2sigmaproblem"wasfirst usedinthe1980sbyeducational psychologistBenjaminBloomto explainhowstudentswhoreceived one-on-oneorsmall-groupinstruction andfrequentfeedbackoutperformed theirpeerswhoreceivedtraditional classroominstruction.
Untilnow,thetime,expense,andhigh levelofhumaninvolvementin
deliveringthesesolutionshavemadeit impossibleonalargescale.Buttoday, theinternetandmobilerevolutionhave significantlydecreasedthecostofand expandedaccesstohigh-quality learningopportunities.Forexample, Courseraoffersfreeinstructionfrom topprofessorsworldwide,and Duolingoallowsuserstolearnany languageontheirphone.
DuringtheCOVID-19pandemic,1.6 billionstudentsswitchedtoremote learningworldwide.Therewillbeno turningbacknowthattheemergency pivothasended.Hybridandblended learningareheretostay.Ashybridand blendedlearningbecometheprimary learningmodelsaroundtheworld,the questioniswhatformthiswilltakeand whowillbeinthebestpositiontotake theleadandmakeatransformative impact.
EqualityandInclusivityAmongthe Teams
Michaelisaseasonedleaderwho effectivelypromotesdiversityand inclusivityintheeducational community Withatrulyglobal perspective,GlobalExpansion Strategiesassistsbothmenandwomen foundersworldwide,workinginareas ofeducationthatcomplementtheir corebusinessvaluesandpursuingthe samecoregoalofimprovingstudent outcomesandpromotingfairaccessto opportunitiesforeveryone.
Michaelofferseducatorsarangeof toolstoassisttheminconfiguring blended/hybridmodelsandmodifying themtooptimizestudentoutcomes. Thisisdonebyfosteringacultureof innovationandlifelonglearning.He empowershisglobalteamtotake responsibilityfortheirrolesand becomemoreself-directed,with measurableresultsforall.Heregularly communicateswiththemandensures
VisionfortheFuture
SincetheCOVID-19pandemic, educationalinstitutionshave demonstratedtheirabilitytoact quicklyanddecisively–andthis agilitywillcontinuetobenecessary. Fivedaysafteritslaunchattheendof November2022,OpenAI'sChatGPT registeredoveramillionusersand immediatelychangedthegame.The mostpressingconcernsineducation wereassessmentandacademic integrity.
Leaders in educa on must be visionaries who can an cipate the future and develop innova ve solu ons to meet the global educa on sector's biggest challenges.
thattheirlong-termgoalsalignwith GES'smissiontoexpandtheimpactof ed-techcompaniesglobally
CollaborationwithintheSector Michaelparticipatesasmuchas possibleintheed-techcommunity.He isontheboardofandadvisesseveral globaled-techstartups,andhetakes partinimportantinternationalthoughtleadershipconferencesand
associationstokeephisfingeronthe industrypulseandstayuptodateon thenewesttrends.
Heregularlypublishescasestudiesand articlesaboutblendedandhybrid learninginthepost-pandemicera.He alsoorganizeseventswhereGES invitesallpartiesinvolvedinthe educationdecision-makingprocessto sharecutting-edgebestpractices.
Withthedustnowsettling,Michael andhisteamarebeginningtoseemore clearlytheopportunitiesand challengesthatgenerativeAIwillbring foreducationinthemediumandlong run.AIoffersgreatpromisefor personalization—itcanenabledifferent typesoflearnerstomakerequestsin waysthatbestsuittheirneeds,andit canhelpeducatorsdotheirjobsmore efficiently
OneofthemaintacticsforGESisto addresstheprofessionaldevelopment gapforeducators,whoareoften inexperienced,lackconfidence,and strugglewithdigitalskills.Ed-techis changingatanexponentialrate,andit canbehardforbusyeducatorstokeep up.
Thischallengeismademoredifficult byaglobalteachershortage,as69 millionteacherswillbeneeded globallyby2030,combinedwiththe challengeofmakingsureeducators havethetime,skills,andconfidenceto capitalizeontheopportunitiesmade possiblebytechnology.GESbelieves thatbetterself-guidedandself-paced professionaldevelopmentisnecessary foreducatorstopreventburnoutandto ensurethatthemassivepromiseofedtechisfullyrealizedforstudents.
How is Included in Higher Education the World’s Commitment to Make an Impact in 2024
Thedrivetobringdownenergy consumption–anditscost–hasspreadtohighereducation. TheUniversityofFlorida,forinstance, isinvestingalmost$30milliontosave roughly$5millionoverthenexttwo decades.
Overall,investinglargesumsupfront tosavemoneyonenergycostscan havemanymotivations.Manycolleges anduniversitiesfacefinancial pressures,sobringingdownthe trajectoryofenergycostsissensible.
Thiago Bacic Head of Digital Infrastructure and Services, Radix www.radixeng.com
Fortoday’sgenerationofcollege studentsconcernedaboutclimate change,theinvestmentcansignalthat aninstitutiontakestheirconcerns seriously,makingthemselvesmore attractivetomanystudentswho believetheirschoolscandomoreto reducetheirimpactontheenvironment.
AccordingtotheUnitedNations, through2022,morethan1,000higher educationinstitutionshavejoinedother ‘realeconomy’actorsin120countries inthe RaceToZero,thelargestever alliancecommittedtoachievingnetzerocarbonemissionsby2050atthe latest.
Campuses Set Energy Goals
TheUnitedNationsalsostatesthatin theUnitedStates,morethan400 collegeanduniversitypresidentshave pledgedtoachievenetzeroorcarbon neutralityattheirinstitutionsbythe year2050orsooner.Manycolleges anduniversitieswanttodevelopZero EnergyBuildings(ZEBs)thatminimizeenergyuseandaresolar-ready ZEBscombineenergyefficiencyand renewableenergygenerationto consumeonlytheenergythatcanbe producedonsite.
Newratingsystemshaveemergedfor measuringenergyuseand sustainability,andtheAssociationfor theAdvancementofSustainabilityin HigherEducationhascreatedthe Sustainability,Tracking,Assessment andRatingSystem(STARS)toprovide
aself-reportingframeworkforcolleges anduniversitiestomeasuretheir sustainabilityperformance.
Finding energy waste is a compound challenge for Higher-Ed Leaders Campusbuildingsconsumeaconsiderablesumoftheenergycollegesand universitiesuseandhavesomeofthe mostcomplexphysicalenvironments intheworld.Someoftheirfacilities areenergyintensive.Forexample, researchlabsrequireproperventilation tokeeplabworkerssafe.Many institutionsseekwaystomeetsafety requirementswhilereducingenergy use.
HigherEducationfacilitiesand buildingsfillvariousneeds:learning, discovering,innovating;living, working,playing,andsocializing;and administrating,includingsecurity, utilities,andtransportation.Many buildingsaremixed-use,andthereis infrastructureakintowhatisfoundin smalltolargecities.Whenhighered institutionsexpandtheircampuses, theyalsoexpandthenumberof
systemsthatmustbeintegratedintothe existinginfrastructure–butintegrating dataisusuallyanafterthought.This leadstoexportingandanalyzingdata manuallyfrommultiplesystems, generatingreportswithunreliable information.
Betweenthecomplexityofthe physicalenvironmentandtherequirementtoaddnewsystemsontopof legacysolutions,searchingforwaysto cutenergyconsumptionbecomesa multi-facetedchallengeforhigher educationleadersnationwide.
Solutions that Matter in Higher Education
Radixprovidesinnovativetechnology solutionsforcampusenergyand utilitiesmanagementinthreestepsthat reduceoperationalcosts.
• OperationalAssessment:Firstand foremost,todevelopaprocessof assessingtheoperational environment,toidentifygapsin theoperationaldatainfrastructure.
About the Author
Thiago Bacic is the Head of Digital Infrastructure and Services in North America at Radix, a global technology solutions company. With over 12 years of experience, he has a multidisciplinary background that spans digital technology, data, automation and software technology, with extensive global expertise in asset performance.
In the Race to Net Zero
• EnergyAudits:Withoutgoalsto findopportunitiestobothreduce costofenergyandtoidentifyand reducewastesacrosscampus,itis importanttoidentifytheoptimal operationalconfigurationsbased onthemodelingandsimulationof on-campusfacilities.This identifiesenergygapsandbolsters thecost-benefitanalysiswe undergo,whichweuseto prioritizeprojects. prioritizing cost-benefitanalysisforimplementation.
• AdvisorySystem:Provides dashboards,predictiveoperating conditions,real-timetracking,and operationaloptimizationfeatures thatcutconsumptionandgenerate hard-dollarsavings.
Thisisnotapie-in-the-skyapproach. Radixhasprovidedsolutionstomidsizedandlargeuniversitiesthathave producedtangibleresults.Tolearn more,visitwww.radixeng.comorreach outdirectlyto thiago.bacic@radixeng.com
Strategies of Inspirational Educational Leaders
Theeducationsystemthrivesontheguidanceand visionofitsleaders.Theseleaders,principals, headmasters,orsuperintendentsplayacrucialrole inshapingtheacademicenvironmentandtheoverallwellbeingandgrowthofstudents,teachersandstaff.However, someleadersgobeyondmeremanagementandstepintothe realmofinspiration.Theseinspirationalleadersthrough theirvision,actions,andcommitmentcreatea transformativelearningenvironmentthatfostersexcellence, innovation,andalifelongloveoflearning.
Join in to find out the key strategies employed by inspirational educational leaders who embody the concept of transformative leadership!
Transformativeleadership,asopposedtotransactional leadershipwhichfocusesonexchangeandreward,inspires andmotivatesindividualstoreachtheirfullpotential.It emphasizessharedvision,intellectualstimulation,and fosteringacultureofcollaborationandcriticalthinking.By understandingthesestrategies,aspiringandcurrent educationalleaderscancultivateanenvironmentthat empowersstudents,teachersandtheentireschool communitytothrive.
| March 2024
BuildingaSharedVision:LeadingwithPurpose
Thefoundationoftransformativeleadershipisaclearly defined,inspiringvision.Thisvisiongoesmorethan standardizedtestscoresandencompassestheholistic developmentofstudents.Aninspirationalleaderarticulates thisvisioninawaythatresonateswiththeentireschool community Theypaintacompellingpictureofthefuture theywishtocreate,afuturewherestudentsareengaged, empoweredandequippedtofacethechallengesofthe progressingworld.
Thisvisionisn'tatop-downdirective,butrathera collaborativeeffort.Inspirationalleadersinvolve stakeholders—teachers,parentsandstudents—inshaping andrefiningthevision.Thisfostersasenseofownership andbuy-in,ensuringeveryonefeelsinvestedinachieving thecommongoal.Regularlyrevisitingthisvision, celebratingprogress,andhighlightingsuccessstories furtherfuelmotivationandkeepthecommunitymoving forwardasaunitedforce.
FosteringCollaborationandBuildingTrust
Transformativeleadershipthrivesoncollaboration. Inspirationalleadersrecognizethatthecollectivewisdom andtalentsoftheschoolcommunityarefargreaterthanany oneindividual's.Theyempowerteacherstosharebest practices,worktogetheroncurriculumdevelopment,and createacultureofpeerlearning.Thisfostersasenseof communityandsharedresponsibilityforstudentsuccess.
Buildingtrustisequallyimportant.Aninspirationalleader createsasafespaceforopencommunication,where teachersfeelcomfortablevoicingconcerns,offering suggestions,andtakingcalculatedrisks.Thisrequires activelistening,empathy,andawillingnesstoaddress challengeshead-on.Bydemonstratingtransparencyand fairnessindecision-making,inspirationalleaderscultivate anenvironmentwhereeveryonefeelsvaluedandrespected.
GrowthMindsetforAll
Lifelonglearningisattheheartoftransformative leadership.Inspirationalleadersunderstandthateducation isacontinuousjourney,notadestination.Theyfostera growthmindsetwithintheschoolcommunity,encouraging students,teachers,andstafftoembracechallengesas opportunitiesforlearningandgrowth.
Thistranslatesintoprovidingprofessionaldevelopment opportunitiesforteachers,encouragingthemtoexplore innovativeteachingmethodsandstayabreastofthelatest advancementsintheirfield.
Similarly,inspirationalleaderscreateacultureof explorationandexperimentationwithintheclassroom.They empowerstudentstotakeownershipoftheirlearningand exploredifferentwaysofacquiringknowledge.
FuelingMotivation
Motivationisakeyingredientforsuccess.Inspirational leadersunderstandthepowerofpositivereinforcementand recognizeandcelebrateachievements,bigandsmall.This recognitioncanbeformal,throughawardsandceremonies, orinformal,throughwordsofencouragementand personalizedfeedback.Thekeyistoacknowledge individualandcollectiveefforts,highlightingthevalueeach memberbringstotheteam.
Celebratingachievementscreatesapositivelearning environmentwherestudentsfeelasenseofaccomplishment andadesiretolearnmore.Italsostrengthensteacher moraleandencouragesthemtocontinuegoingaboveand beyondfortheirstudents.
Conclusion
Inspirationaleducationalleaders,throughtheircommitment totransformativeleadership,createadynamicand empoweringlearningenvironment.Byfosteringashared vision,buildingtrustthroughcollaboration,championing continuouslearning,andrecognizingachievements,they inspirestudents,teachers,andstafftoreachtheirfull potential.Thepositiveimpactofthesestrategiesextendsfar beyondtheclassroom,shapingindividualswhoarelifelong learners,criticalthinkers,andvaluablemembersoftheir communities.
Thefutureoftransformativeleadershipineducationwill likelyinvolveharnessingtechnologytopersonalizelearning experiencesandfosterglobalcollaboration.Leadersmay utilizedataanalyticstoidentifyindividualstudentneeds andtailorinstructionaccordingly Additionally,virtual exchangeprogramsandonlinelearningplatformscould connectstudentsacrosstheglobe,fosteringintercultural understandingandpreparingthemforatrulyinterconnected world.
Thomas MJ Wingate
Promoting Quality Education by Supporting Educators and Inspiring Learners
Educationleadersarethe impulseoftheeducational system,whomakeandbreak policiestopromoteacademic excellence.Theyarevisionary architectswhoupliftthequalityof educationwiththeirexpertiseand experience.Theseleadersinspireand empowereducatorsandstudentsto achievetheirgoalsandobjectives.
Theycreateapositivelearning environmentthatnurturestheholistic growthofstudentsandhelpsthem reachtheirfullpotential.Theycasta student-centriceducationalset-upthat prioritizestheneedsandaspirationsof students.
ThomasMJWingate,Co-ownerand HeadTeacherofTheWingateSchool isamongthosethoughtleaderswho ignitepassionforlearninginyoung hearts.Hisjourneyfromateachertoa prominenteducationalleaderis inspiringandremarkable.Hebelieves prioritizingstudents'interestsandwellbeingwillautomaticallyleadto professionaladvancement.
Thomasenvisionsafuturewherehe canestablishalearningenvironment thatpositivelyimpactsstudents'lives.
Thomas MJ Wingate Co-owner and Head Teacher, The Wingate School
Heaimstoprovideaplatformthat demonstratesacademicexcellence, impartsmoralvalues,andspreads happiness.Hisleadershipstylecanbe definedbyintegrityandresilience.He worksintheinterestofeducatorsand learnersandcreatesvaluable opportunitiesforthem.
ThomasMJWingateaspirestonurture individualswithastrongsenseof ethicsandleveragetheirskillsand knowledgetomakeameaningful difference.Heisarolemodelforhis staffandstudents,whoarewellinformedabouttheirneedsand challenges.Hisinnovativeand comprehensiveapproachtoeducation differentiateshimfromtherest.
TolearnmoreaboutThomasMJ Wingate,The Knowledge Review had aninterviewwithhim.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Canyoushareyourjourneyand whatinspiredyoutobecomea leaderintheeducationalsector?
BackintheUnitedKingdom,Ihada fewgreatteachersinmyyouth.After twoyearsteachingEnglishandEnglish Literature,Ihadthoughtofacareerin arthistory,butIswervedbackinto teaching.Thankgoodness!Alongside hardwork,Ibelievethatcircumstances alsohelpyoubecomealeader:itisnot alwaysthecasethatyoucanmake yourselfone.
Youlookatothers,andyoulearn.One suchleaderIhad(nearly20yearsago now)wasDavidLevin,the HeadmasteratCityofLondonSchool. Heranagreatschool,allowing teacherstherightamountofclassroom autonomy.
Kindlysharethemissionandvision ofyourorganization.
Inanutshell,wewanttohelpform happy,well-educated,andethical studentswhowillmakeareal differenceinlifeand,secondly,inand throughtheirchosencareers.
Whatchallengeshaveyoufacedas aneducationalleader,andhowhave youovercomethem?
Ihaveworkedasanadministratorin
We want to help form happy, well-educated, and ethical students who will make a real difference in life and, secondly, in and through their chosen careers.
schoolsthat,perhaps,didnotpay sufficientattentiontoone’s professionalaspirations.Butyoufind waystocontinuelearning.Ifyouput thestudentfirst,asyoushould,then youreducationcareerwilllikely blossom,too.Patienceisagreatvirtue foraneducationalleadertopossess, too.Challengesfoundalongtheroad oflifewillneedtimetoovercome them.
Inyouropinion,whatarethe essentialqualitiesthatmakealeader effectiveineducation?
Demonstratehonestyand determination,agenuinedesireto educateyourstudents,buildeffective teamstowork,andbeagreatlistener Letyourstaffknowthattheir professionalgrowthisessentialtoyou. Thuscreatingvaluableopportunities forthemsothattheycanhappen.
Howdoyoufosterinnovationand creativitywithinyoureducational institution?
Beopentochanges,especiallyinthis technologicalage.Italsoisessentialto hirehigh-qualitystaff.Noteveryone willcomeupwithnewideasorbe supercreative,butbybeingwelltrained,allone’sstaffcanenactthe initiativesonewantstoshare.And alwaysforthegoodofthestudents.In creatingthisschool,wehavepaid attentiontoourveryenvironment. Natureitselfhasbeenagoodteacher Creativityinourarchitecturaldesigns hasderivedfromourdesiretoblendin withourgreensurroundings.
Canyouhighlightaspecificproject orinitiativeyou'reparticularly proudofinyourleadershiprole?
Yes,creatingawholenewschool! To winthat‘war,’youfightmanybattles, somebeingoneafteroneanother,and occasionallyotherbattleshappening
sidebyside. Somechallengeshaveto dowiththeveryconstructionofthe facilitiesneeded;othershavetodo withvariousissuesconcerningone’s humancapital.
Apersonalwhim,Ialsowanttosetup amuseumaboutthelifeanddeathof CharlesDickens(Wehavemany originaldocumentsandotherobjectsin ourcollection).Heisadmirableinhis pro-childstance;therefore,showcasing thiswriterishighlyrelevantwithina school.
Whatroledoyoubelievetechnology playsinshapingthefutureof
I have stated that I am a role model for my staff. Equally, I must be the same for my students. “ “
education,andhowareyou incorporatingitintoyour educationalstrategies?
Technologyisheretostayandwillnot beuninvented.Norshouldwewishto. However,itisanadjuncttothe professionalrelationshipweteachers mustestablishwithourstudents. Teachingisaboutatransferofsubject knowledgeandskills,butitgoesway beyondthat.Weareforminghuman beings(dealingwithalltheircomplex emotionalneeds)andcreatingnew citizenswhowillchangetheworld.
Howdoyouensureinclusivityand diversitywithinyoureducational community?
Ourcommunity–thefamiliesandstaff –comprisesmanynationalities.
Celebratethatfact.Speakofitoftenin theassemblieswithstudents.One particularwaytobeinclusivewill happeninafewdays.OnaSaturday, tappingintothatdiversity,weare hostingalargeinternationalfairof foodanddrink,dance,andmusicfrom aroundtheglobe.
Whatstrategiesdoyouemployto motivateandinspireyourteamof educators?
Bearolemodel,naturally.Neverask anyoneonyourteamtodosomething youareunpreparedtodoyourself.Be presentandbevisiblearoundthe campus.Listentosuccessesand possiblegrievances.Trytobepartof thesolutionanddosoasquicklyas youcan.
Howhaveyoucollaboratedwith othereducationalinstitutionsor stakeholderstoenhancelearning opportunities?
WehaveaMexicoCitygroupof schoolswhoseheadteachersmeet.We arrangethatthesamethencanhappen withourstaff.WeworkwiththeAnglo (downtown),anorganizationthathelps trainteachers(theIPGCE)andactsas abridgebetweenschoolsand CambridgeUniversity’seducational coursesandservices.Iamamemberof theLatinAmericanHeadsConference (LAHC).Locally,weworkwiththe DIF,helpingthedisadvantagedandthe elderlyinoursocialresponsibility projects.
Whatchangesdoyouenvisionfor theeducationalsectorinthecoming years,andhowareyoupreparing yourinstitution?
Iwillfocushereonone.International educationisbeingreshapedbylarge organizationsacquiringschoolsaround theworld.Let’sseewherethistakes us.Betterput,let’sseewhatitwilldo tomeetthemanyneedsofour students.
Howdoyouaddresstheevolving needsofstudentsinthe21stcentury throughyourleadershipapproach?
IhavestatedthatIamarolemodelfor mystaff. Equally,Imustbethesame formystudents.Iwillknowtheir anxieties,needs,hopes,andchallenges ifIlistencarefullyenough(including furtherstudyintheirfuture universities).Thus,sittinginthechair thatIdo,Imustkeepupwithnew ideasthatarepublishedandshared.In turn,wemustunderstandandapply recenttrendsthatcanassistthis institutioninbetterpreparingthe studentsforthisconstantlydeveloping world.
How can Students Improve their
Chance to their Desired University Offers?
Steven Shaw
Success Beyond Grades
OOnceuponatimeitseemedtheonlyfactorin universityapplicationsuccesswasacademic outcomesandgrades,thisisnolongertrue,ifit everreallywas.Theexpansionofglobaltravelfor universityplacesmeanscompetitionisbecomingfiercer andfiercerandwiththeconstantincreaseininternational schoolsacrosstheworld,today'sstudentsmuststandout amongstthiseverincreasingcrowd.Sohowdostudents standoutinthisglobalmarketwithsomanyhighachieving students?Thisisnowthequestionsomanyschoolsare beingfacedwith.Sowhatareuniversitieslookingat beyondgradesandwhy?Andmoreimportantly,whatcan schoolslearnfromthis?
Ithasbeenacceptedforalongtimethatthewaytostudent potentialistodevelopthewholestudent.Tofocuspurely onexamoutcomescanmeanthatgradesareachievedbutat whatcost?Arethesestudentsgoingtobeequippedto continuethissuccessintheverydifferentenvironmentor tertiaryeducation?Thisisaconcernregardlessofwhether thestudentcomeswithALevelgrades,IBDiplomaPoints, SATorAPscoresorfromsomeotheracademicsystem.
Ifthesestudentscannotproblemsolve,workwithothers, andcommunicateclearly,whatreallong-termprospectsdo theyhave?Therealpriorityforschoolsmustbetodevelop thewholeindividualsothatacademicsuccessispossible alongsidethedevelopmentoflifeskillsthatwillensure successwellbeyondschoollife. Thisisthereasonthat goodschoolsembedsomanyotheropportunitieswithin theircurriculum.
CommonplacenowisMUN,InternationalAwardorThe DukeofEdinburghAward,debatingclubs,charitygroups andotherleadershiprolesalongsidethesportingandarts opportunities. Theseactivitiesdonotjustbolsterthe student'sapplicationorCV,theyproviderealopportunities forlearning.Let'staketheMUNasanexample.TheMUN allowsstudentstoactivelyengageinreallifeglobalissues, itraisesawareness.
Itrequiresstudentstoconsideraproblemfromaparticular stance,thestanceofthecountrytheyarerepresenting, regardlessofwhethertheirpersonalstanceisthesameor quitetheopposite.Itrequiresstudentstoshareideas,seek alliances,debateanddiscusspointsandagreeresolutions. Whatsuccessfulpersoncouldnotbenefitfromtheseskills?
IwonderwhatmyearlycareermighthavelookedlikehadI hadthatopportunitytodevelopthosekeylifeskillsata youngerage.Youcouldlistsimilarskillsthataredeveloped fortheotheropportunitiesavailablealongsidethebenefits andimportanceofthoseskills.
Sowhataretheimplicationsforschoolleaders?Firstly, whatopportunitiescanyouprovideforyouryounglearners withintheschoolenvironment?Howcanyoubalancethis againstcurriculumneeds?Myopinionisthatleadersneed tobebraveandtrustthatifstudentsaregettinggenuine developmentopportunities,itwillmakethembetter learnersbutmoreimportantlyallowthemabetterchanceat successlongerterm.
Itwillmeanthatschoolsarefulfillingtheirresponsibilityof developingthewholeindividualsotheycanreachtheir potentialbeyondschoolandbecomeagloballyaware citizenandcontributetosociety.Itwillalsoboosttheir potentialoffersfromuniversitiesandmakethemmore saleabletoestablishmentswhoarenowforcedtolook deepertoselecttheirstudents,fromaglobalcohort.For thoseinthecommunitythatmaybecynicalaboutthe benefitsoftheseopportunities,althoughIhopetherearenot toomany,simplyrefertothefactthattobeofferedplacesin thetopuniversitiesstudentsarehavingtodemonstrate widerdevelopment.ThisjustifiestheneedalthoughIhope youappreciatethattherealneedisaroundstudent development,notCVdevelopment.
Sowhyareuniversitieslookingatmorethanjustgrades,is thisjustawaytodistinguishbetweenindividuals?Ibelieve not.Ibelieveuniversitiesunderstandthatastudentwhohas hadopportunitiesoutsidetheclassroomanddemonstrateda desireandpassiontobeinvolvedwillbethetypeof learnersmorelikelytocopewiththetransitiontoanew learningmodel,aremorelikelytohavetheskillstosucceed andcontributetotheirnewcommunity,theuniversity
So,whilstitiseasytoadopttheviewthatclubsand activitieswillboostanapplicationmerelybytheirpresence, itismuchmorelikelythatthepresenceofthoseadditional learningopportunitiesdemonstratetheindividualhashad thesupportandopportunitiestodevelopthosekeylife skillsneededtomeettheirpotential,inschoolandbeyond.
Intoday’srapidlydevelopingworld,technologyhas
becomeaveryimportantmediumforeducational excellence,empoweringlearnersandeducatorstogo beyondgeographicalboundariesandexplorenewedgesof knowledge.
Acrosstheglobe,visionaryleadersareharnessingthe poweroftechnologytorevolutionizeeducationbymaking itmoreaccessible,inclusiveandeffective.From groundbreakinginnovationstotransformativeinitiatives, theseleadersarepavingthewayforabrighterfuture throughthefusionofeducationandtechnology
Globally,wehavemanycountrieswithdiversityandrich culturalheritage.Manycountrieshaveawiderangeof people,traditionsandlanguages.Overthepasttenyears, educationhasundergonearemarkabletransformation.The integrationoftechnologyhasbroughtaboutasignificant transformationinthefieldofeducation,enablingstudents toacquiretheskillsthatarecrucialtosucceedinginan increasinglycompetitiveglobalmarket.
EstablishmentofUniversitiesbyInspirationalLeaders
Theseinspirationalleadersestablishedinstitutesfor economicallyweakerandunderprivilegedstudents.This helpedtobringsocialchangeglobally.Theestablishmentof universitieshelpedtoincreaseaccesstohighereducation. Innovationintechnologyintheeducationalfieldimproved thequalityofeducationworldwide.
Aswegothroughtechnologicaldevelopmentacross variouscountries,weuncoveramosaicofapproachesto incorporatingtechnologyintohighereducation.Eachplace hasauniquestrategythatnotonlyillustratescollective progressbutalsohighlightsthedistinctchallengesthey face,whetherdemographicorgeographic.
Thestridesinonlineeducationareparticularlynotable. Universitieshavesignificantlyexpandededucational access.It'sgreattoseethestrategicfocusoneducation, whichiscomplementedbyonlineresourcesandvirtual labs.Thisapproachishelpingtopreparestudentsfora technology-drivenglobalmarketplace,whichisanessential aspectoftoday'sworld.
TransformingEducationGlobally
Manyinspirationalleadersareusingtechnologyto transformeducationGlobally.Byharnessingthepowerof
digitalplatforms,theseleadersarehelpingtocreateamore inclusive,diverseandinnovativeeducationallandscape.
Theworldisenhancinginternetconnectivityanddigital infrastructure,settingthestageforsophisticatededucational technologies.Educationalinitiativeswillmirrora commitmenttoelevatingeducationthroughtechnological means.Publicuniversitiesarealigningdigitalskill developmentwithmarketdemands,thusstrengtheningthe employabilityoftheirgraduates.
FosterDigitalLiteracyAmongStudents
Theworldisactivelyaddressingthedigitaldivide, providingessentialtoolslikelaptopsandinternetaccessto fosterdigitalliteracyamongstudents.Themajoruseofelearningplatformsinuniversitiesrepresentsaharmonious blendoftraditionalanddigitalteachingmethods,enhancing theoverallqualityofeducation.
Wearepushingtowardsvirtualeducationinhigher educationinstitutionscreatingsignificantchange.The expansionofonlinecoursesandincorporatingdigitaltools intoconventionalclassroomsunderscoreablended approachthateffectivelynurturespracticalskillsand studentengagement.
RoleofTechnology
Thistechnologicalparadigmshiftprofoundlyimpacts studentpreparationfortheglobalmarket.Digitalplatforms provideaccesstocoursesinemergentsectorssuchasdata analytics,renewableenergyanddigitalmarketingensuring studentsremainwiththelevelofglobaleconomictrends.
Theroleoftechnologyineducationextendsbeyond academicknowledgedissemination;itispivotalin cultivatingvitalsoftskillslikedigitalliteracy,critical thinkingandcross-culturalcommunication,allofwhichare indispensableinaglobalizedworkforce.Countrieswitha pronouncedfocusondigitalskillsareexceptionallywellpreparedforthechallengesoftechnology-centricindustries.
FutureofEducationwithInnovativeTechnology
Somanyinspirationalleadersarefocusingonpromoting educationforwomen.Thishasledtotheestablishmentof variouseducationalinstitutions.Theseinspirationalleaders considereducationasatooltobringchangestothe conditionsofeconomicallyandsociallyweakerstudents.
Thefutureofhighereducationhingesoncontinued investmentindigitalinfrastructure,supportivepoliciesand collaborationsbetweeneducationalinstitutionsand technologycompanies.Byembracingthismultifaceted approach,variouscountriescannotonlyenhancetheir educationalstandardsbutalsoempowertheirstudentsto becomeprofessionals,whoarebothtechnologicallyadept andgloballycompetitive.
InnovationsintechnologylikeArtificialIntelligence(AI), VirtualReality(VR),MobileLearningApps,andOnline Coursesareshapingthefutureofstudents.Helpingstudents toachievetheirgoalsglobally AI-poweredplatformis reshapingtheeducationalfieldbyprovidingpersonalized learningexperiences.Whicharetailoredtoeachstudent's uniqueneedsandpreferences.
AIcananalysedataandprovidestudentswithwhatthey requirefortheirwork.VirtualRealityisarevolutionary technologyofferinganimmersiveexperienceoutsidethe traditionalboundariesoftheclassroom.ThroughVR studentscanexploreHistoricalPlacesandlearnmathsand scienceviaVR.VRbroughtnewmethodsoflearning whichwerenotpossiblebefore.Mobileappshavenow directaccesstoeducationbyputtingeverylearning resourceinthehandsofstudents.
Now,studentscanlearnanywhere,anytime.Mobileapps areaconvenientwayforstudentstolearnandenhancetheir skillsandknowledge.
UnificationofTechnology
arecreatingavibrantcultureoflearningthatisresponsive tothevariedsocio-economicfabricoftheircommunities. Duetotheseleadersandtransformativetechnologies,there hasbeenahugeshiftineducation,anditisnowunlocking newopportunitiesforlearnerstogrowintheDigitalAge.
Throughtheirvisionandleadership,theseleadersare makingapositiveimpactonthelivesofstudentsand educators.Withthehelpoftheseleadersandinnovationin technologyandcollaboration,wecanbuildthebestand strongesteducationsystemthatwillempowerindividuals andcommunitiestoshapeabrighterfutureforgenerations tocome.Aswemoveforward,itisimportanttorecognize andcelebratetheachievementsoftheseinspirational leadersandtocontinuetosupportthemintheireffortsto createabrighterfutureforall.
Theunificationoftechnologyinhighereducationisan essentialsteptowardsaligningwiththedemandsofa rapidlychangingglobalmarket.Thistransformationis complexandchallenging.Ithasimmensepotentialfor empoweringthenextgenerationofprofessionals,equipping themwiththeskillsandcompetenciestosucceedinan acceleratedanddigitallydrivenworld.Sothatinfuturethey canstandequallywithglobalpeople.
Conclusion
Inconclusion,technologyistransforminghowwelearnand creatingnewopportunitiesforeducationalexcellence. Inspirationalleadersineducationareharnessingand promotingthepoweroftechnologytodriveinnovationand empowerstudentsinculturallydiverseenvironments.They
