Keynote

Teacher education on the move: The Professional Journey from Yesterday’s Structure to Tomorrow’s Digital Realms

Historically, teachers have played the crucial role of custodians, safeguarding societal knowledge within their respective subjects. However, the era of digitalization has ushered in a paradigm shift, enabling global knowledge access at any time and from any location. This transformation places considerable pressure on schools and teacher education, challenging the traditional classroom’s exclusivity in knowledge acquisition, as life unfolds increasingly in virtual spaces. This shift raises critical questions about the adequacy of current professionalization curricula and the adaptability of existing education strategies to meet the evolving needs of the next generation. If we envision schools as laboratories shaping tomorrow's society, teachers must showcase their ability to instill excitement in exploring the world and learning through innovative approaches. As architects of the future, teachers must heed the call to let go of outdated methods and actively engaging with emerging educational landscapes. To foster forward-looking teacher education, shared leadership as an overarching attitude must permeate all levels of the system, creating environments conducive to transformative educational experiences. Recognizing these evolving demands, it becomes essential to identify and implement new structures and attitudes within teacher education. This evolution is seen as essential for effectively addressing today’s social challenges and preparing educators to navigate the dynamic intersection of traditional and digital realms in education.