By Michael Visaya

The Mariano Marcos State University-College of Teacher Education (MMSU-CTE) organized the 2025 International Teacher Education Conference (ITEC) from June 9 to 12 via Zoom, with a central focus on addressing global challenges in education.

Now in its fourth year, ITEC carries the theme “Global Challenges in Education: Technology, Environment, and Emergency.” The event gathers educators and scholars from across the globe to engage in meaningful discussions on urgent educational issues, particularly in the areas of technology, environmental sustainability, and emergency preparedness.

Spearheaded by the MMSU Center for Teaching Excellence in partnership with the MMSU Center for International Linkages and Partnership, the four-day conference aims to spark professional growth, global citizenship, and international collaboration.

The event features plenary and parallel sessions that explored a wide range of topics, including educational policies and practices, social responsibility, and economic development. It also delved into contemporary issues such as grief management, systemic inequality, intercultural conflicts, educational transformation, English language studies, and crisis leadership, discussed by esteemed global educators serving as resource speakers.

Dr. Aris Reynold Cajigal, MMSU Vice President for Academic Affairs, urged participants to remain grounded in their mission as educators amidst the multifaceted challenges posed by technology, the environment, and emergencies. He emphasized the importance of a proactive mindset and the unwavering commitment to quality learning outcomes.

“Development is measured by the outcomes we achieve in teaching and learning. So, if these are challenged, we must be prepared to face them,” Dr. Cajigal said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ronald Candy Lasaten, College of Teacher Education dean, expressed gratitude to the conference speakers and highlighted the significance of each topic in uniting minds toward a common goal: to build a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient future for education.

“Let the knowledge and connections forged here serve as catalysts for innovative projects, collaborative initiatives, and impactful change within our institutions and communities,” Dr. Lasaten remarked.

Dr. Jeanette Dials, International Linkages and Partnership director, emphasized education’s role in addressing 21st-century global challenges. She highlighted that MMSU, through ITEC, is contributing to the global discourse on growth, environmental protection, and peacebuilding.

The 4th ITEC is joined by educators from 12 countries: Liberia, Kenya, the United States, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Greece, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Qatar, Uganda, and the Philippines. The conference is accredited under No. PTR-2018-222-8298 and grants nine Continuing Professional Development (CPD) units to participants.