International Conference on Education Leadership: Improving Teaching and Learning
August 10-13, 2007
Beijing, People’s Republic of China
Conference Purpose
- To accelerate the exchange of best practices, technologies, and research between professionals and specialists in the field of education leadership.
- To develop partnerships between individuals, institutions, and agencies to continue the dialogue and exchange and to create sustainable relationships that will impact the field of education leadership worldwide.
Conference Leaders
Conference Topics
- Preparing the Next Generation of Teachers
- Building the Capacity for Veteran Teachers
- Preparing the Next Generation of School Principals
- Building the Capacity of Veteran Principals
- Developing the Capacity of Personnel for Change
- Training for Inclusive Education Issues
Keynote Speakers
Conference Design
The Conference is an interactive learning experience, requiring each participant to play an active role in the dialogue and communication around the topic areas. Presenters, selected through the Call for Papers process, will be matched with Chinese presenters to speak on the same, or similar, topic. Conference presentations are intended to be a catalyst for conversations and dialogue. A facilitated discussion with the audience will follow the paired presentations.
Executive Summary
Global Interactions Inc. is, once again, privileged to partner with the China International Conference Center for Science and Technology and the Beijing Institute of Education to convene this timely conference on key personnel training and development issues for the 21st century. We are joined by key organizations in the United States such as the Council for Chief State School Officers, National Association of State Boards of Education, Institute for Educational Research, and other cooperating organizations who understand the urgency of creating opportunities to build world partnerships as we prepare our youth to live and work in a global society.
Comparing China and the United States
China, a country developing at an unprecedented rate, differs significantly from the United States in many ways: China has five times more people (1.3 billion compared to 296 million.); a significantly longer history (5,000 years compared to 230 years); a differing government structure and leadership (Socialist system compared to Democratic system); and a vastly different income per capita ($1,740 in China compared to $44,000 in the U.S.). In addition, more children attend school in China than there are people living in the United States!
Peace, Development, and Cooperation
China is wholeheartedly implementing strategies to push forward economic and social development. The country is committed to a foreign policy that can be expressed in three words: peace, development, and cooperation. In brief, China is eager to achieve lasting peace, sustainable development, and friendly cooperation with other countries.
Common Concerns
Despite the vast differences between China and the U.S., we also share many common concerns. Educating our children has been one of those concerns generating cooperation between Global Interactions and Chinese educators for more than 22 years. Today our common concerns include the rising cost of education and the increased knowledge necessary for educators and students to become productive global citizens. Both countries are also aware of the need to meet the supply and demand for high quality teachers and administrators, to develop uniform education standards among all socio-economic classes in rural and urban settings, to provide comprehensive continuing education for teachers and all education staff, and to enable workforce development for a global economy.
Education leaders charged with the responsibility of responding to these urgent and immediate needs will forge a promising future by embracing understanding, building collaborative partnerships, and creating sustainable professional relationships around the world.
Sequel Conference: Join Us!
The International Conference on Education Leadership in 2007 is a sequel to the China – U.S. Conference on Education Leadership in 2006. We are committed to building on the work of last year’s presenters and delegates. We envision broadening the network of educators committed to a better future for our children, our nations, and our world. We invite you to be with us in Beijing, August 10-13, to share your expertise, discuss the issues important to each of us, and explore opportunities for your colleagues and your students through collaboration and institutional partnerships that will sustain all our work beyond the time we spend together in Beijing. Join us!