By Nina Christelle Sumintac, Stratcom Correspondent 

With its aim to highlight the importance of growth and global citizenship among educators, the MMSU College of Teacher Education, MMSU Center for Teaching Excellence, and MMSU Internationalization, Linkages, and Partnership conducted its 3rd International Teacher Education Conference from February 7 to 9 via Zoom and Facebook live stream.

Bringing together educators and scholars from around the globe, the conference aimed to foster discussions on advancing education in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Titled "Going for Growth: School, Community, Economy, Nation”, the conference commenced with a keynote address by Dr. Mouhssine Echcharfy from Chouaib Doukkali University. He delved into the intricacies of global citizenship in educational contexts.

For Day 1, various speakers tackled internationalization, neuroscience on student learning and behaviors, different trends and experiences in teaching, inclusive learning, and exploring global perspectives in education. These are Dr. Peter Ndiang’ui of Florida Gulf Coast University; Dr. Ali Conant of Northern Arizona University; Mr. Wilbert C. Venzon of Institute of Information Technology College; Mr. Roberto H. Layague, Jr. of Jose Rizal University; Ms. Lucy O. Ayodo of International Community School, Ghana-Kumasi Campus; Dr. Kirsten Dyck of University of Virginia, USA and Dr. Saniya G. Abirin of Western Mindanao State University.

Discussions on innovative pedagogies and inclusive education were presented for Day 2. The speakers include Dr. Kristen Arnold of Gonzaga University; Dr. Didik Subiyanto of Universitas Sarjanawiyata; Dr. Margana of Vogyakarta State University; Prof. Jareason A. Fabre of MMSU CTE; Prof. Macharia Munene of United States International University; Dr. Ronald Candy S. Lasaten of MMSU CTE; Dr. Anna Saiti of University of West Attica Greece;  Dr. Lucy Wandiri Mbirianjau of Kenyatta University, Kenya; Mr. Jose Feliciano Josef of FAQRA Academy; and Dr. Pranay Pandey of Bhatter College Dantan Paschim Medinipur.

The last day of the conference explored the emerging trends and technologies that shape the future of education. The speakers were Dr. Fredrick Ssempala of Kabale University); Dr. Senowarsito of Universitas PGRI Semarang, Indonesia; Ms. Tarisai Tara of MMSU Graduate School Student; Dr. Gatot Hari Priowirjanto, former Director of SEAMEO; Prof. Dr. Susilo Susilo of Mulawarman University, Indonesia; Mr. Haya Jahanzeb of Roots International Schools and Colleges, Pakistan; Dr. Riris Setyo Sundari of Universitas OGRI Semarang, Indonesia; and Ms. Funke Akpan of Top Fighters Academy, Nigeria.

Prof. Jeanette G. Dials, MMSU Chief of International Faculty and Student Mobility, expressed her gratitude to the international community of educators. 

"The 2024 conference seeks to contribute further to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The speakers' presentations are well prepared and in line with this year’s theme," she said.

Now in its third year, the conference is accredited under No. PTR-2018-222-3419, which provided 8 CPD units for the first 800 registrants.