In a world of rapid developments and radical transformations across fields, education too is inevitably changing. We all recognize its crucial role for individuals and societies alike and agree that it must embrace innovation, adapt, and keep up. We insist on the importance of developing both hard and soft skills, value inquisitiveness and grit, and extol the ongoing pursuit of learning. But what does this mean in real terms, not just for young students but for educators too?
Business Partners publisher Alexandra Loli spoke to Dr. Peggy Pelonis, President of ACS Athens, to find out her insights on some key topics in education today and find out why she believes that educators too must be lifelong learners.
Education today stands at a crossroads, requiring innovative transformations to remain relevant in an ever-changing, interconnected world. In conversation with BP’s Alexandra Loli, Dr. Peggy Pelonis emphasized the urgency of redesigning educational paradigms to inspire and adequately equip young people whilst also ensuring that educators themselves benefit from transformative leadership and continuous professional growth. Here’s what she had to say.
A Changing Landscape
In a world inundated with information, inspiring students to learn and grow requires more than traditional teaching methods. Educational institutions must shift from delivering static knowledge to creating meaningful, engaging experiences that tap into students’ creativity, talents, and passions. By fostering lifelong learning among educators and embracing the synergy of adult experience with youthful energy, schools can create rich, dynamic environments where both teachers and students thrive.
Education is no longer confined to rote memorization and standardized tests. It must evolve to reflect societal and technological changes. This requires a shift in focus from traditional curricula to include skills such as AI literacy, critical thinking, media literacy, and cultural competence. These skills are indispensable in preparing students for an unpredictable future and helping them maintain a balanced and fulfilling life.
Soft Skills
Soft skills are essential for success. Effective communication, emotional intelligence, resilience, and time management are critical for navigating the complexities of modern life and work. AI is reshaping industries, necessitating a thorough understanding of its principles and implications. Integrating AI education into curricula empowers students to leverage its potential for ethical problemsolving and innovation.
Similarly, media literacy is a cornerstone of modern education, enabling students to critically analyze and interpret media, recognize biases, and make informed decisions. By promoting critical thinking and problemsolving, educators can prepare students to address complex societal challenges. These skills foster adaptability and prepare students to approach the unknown with confidence and creativity.
Global Competence – Conscious Citizenship
Globalization has made cross-cultural understanding a necessity. To succeed in this interconnected world, students must collaborate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. Educational institutions play a key role in cultivating cultural competence and fostering teamwork across varied perspectives. They can achieve this by teaching responsible, conscious citizenship, which goes beyond civic awareness to emphasize active problemsolving within society. By nurturing these traits, education develops resilient individuals capable of driving positive societal change.
Fostering international mindedness and promoting the development of strong conscious citizenship prepares students for success in a globalized world, ensuring not only that they are equipped to adapt to changes but are empowered to influence them. They learn to engage with societal issues, advocate for justice, and endure challenges with a positive mindset. These attributes contribute to a robust psychological immune system, enabling individuals to thrive in a world marked by uncertainty and rapid transformation.
Holistic Education
Education should reflect the kind of world we aspire to create. That’s why it’s important to adopt an integrative approach, blending disciplines such as history, literature, philosophy, and mathematics to foster holistic learning. Experiential learning, such as science simulations and real-life problemsolving, allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
Educators must address the whole student, recognizing their emotional, physical, and intellectual needs. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are not only academically proficient but also emotionally resilient and socially aware. Schools must focus on shaping character while equipping students with the skills needed to navigate change effectively.
Embracing Change
Change is a constant, driven by technological advancements and global challenges. Institutions that resist change risk becoming obsolete. International schools have taken on a proactive role in embracing and leading change. By rethinking traditional educational models, these schools demonstrate the benefits of innovation and set an example for others to follow.
Sustainable change requires a systemic approach, including curriculum revisions, innovative methodologies, and transformative leadership. For change to be meaningful, it must align with institutional objectives and individual professional goals. This ensures that the transformation is not superficial but embedded in the core of the institution’s culture.
Educating Educators
For educators to remain effective in a rapidly evolving educational landscape, we must invest in continuous professional development and equip teachers with the tools and strategies needed to adapt to diverse cultural contexts and curricula.
Educators must be actively involved in shaping their growth. Administrators and teachers must collaborate in assessing professional development needs, directing resources, and evaluating outcomes in order to improve teaching practices and enhance the quality of education and student learning outcomes.
Education for the Future
My vision for education emphasizes adaptability, innovation, and holistic development. As the world evolves, so must education, preparing young people to thrive in a global society shaped by technological and cultural shifts. By fostering essential skills, promoting conscious citizenship, and embracing systemic change, educational institutions can empower the next generation of students to lead with purpose and resilience. Through transformative leadership and continuous professional growth, educators can ensure that excellence in education is not just achieved but sustained.
Dr. Peggy Pelonis holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of Bath, as well as a B.Sc. in English Literature and Psychology, an M.Sc. in Counseling and School Psychology, and an Executive MBA. She has previously taught at both K-12 and university levels and has authored numerous journal articles, book chapters, and magazine and newspaper articles, as well as three books.
Most recently, Dr. Pelonis co-edited the book Igniting Excellence in Faculty Development at International Schools: Beyond Borders (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024), which considers the many and complex facets of professional development—from administrative factors, assessment and accreditation issues to student needs—through a diversity, equity and inclusion lens, emphasizing the need for a reimagined approach to professional development.
