A global movement, led by teachers.
by Anthony Mackay, as told to Jenni Guzman.
Opinion: Across the globe, a growing movement is reshaping how we think about learning. It’s no longer driven solely by systems or structures, but by educators, young people, and communities - working together to reimagine what it means to grow, thrive, and flourish in a world that demands more of us, as humans, than ever before.
At the heart of this shift is a powerful idea: the central purpose of education is human development. This development spans cognitive, emotional, social, physical, and ethical dimensions - and for many, it also includes the spiritual.
This is a reassertion of what it means to be human: to be a whole person. In the age of AI, this understanding is more important than ever. It challenges the overemphasis on intellectual achievement and embraces diverse ways of knowing and being.
It is an understanding championed by those closest to learning - teachers and young people.
Teachers are central to shaping our learning systems. In schools, they navigate the complexity of classrooms where cognitive, emotional, and social development spans years within a single group of learners.
They do this with a deep understanding that learning is a journey, and that progress looks different for every learner. Success is not defined by a narrow view of excellence; there are many pathways and possibilities.
“For education to be as powerful as we want it to be, educators need to be in the transformation business – a teaching profession that is able and willing to lead the reform of our learning systems.”
Globally, teachers are becoming narrators of a new story - a new narrative about what truly matters for successful learning. They are addressing issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and indigeneity, while encouraging and enabling learners to pursue their passions and interests.
New Zealand offers a unique lens through which to view efforts to reimagine schooling. As a bilingual, bicultural nation with a strong commitment to wellbeing, equity, and care for the planet, it is especially well positioned to lead this new narrative. One that is grounded in values, connected to community, and oriented toward the future.
“The sun rises in New Zealand before anywhere else. That’s a comparative advantage for New Zealand’s leadership opportunity to transform learning!”
The voice of teachers is telling us that changing how we organise teaching and learning will take hard work. It will require collaboration, creativity, and a willingness to rethink long-held assumptions.
Together with learners as allies, teachers are designing new learning environments where every young person is seen, supported, and empowered. This shift involves a more diverse workforce, working in partnership with allied professionals.
We are witnessing a growing movement of educators committed to learning that supports economic prosperity, social cohesion, and individual and collective wellbeing. This transformation will require a team effort - teachers, young people, parents, employers, communities, and government agencies all working together.
The move is on.
Anthony Mackay AM is former CEO and current Chair of the Washington DC-based National Center on Education and the Economy. He is Deputy Chancellor Swinburne University, Melbourne, Honorary Senior Fellow, Melbourne Graduate School of Education at the University of Melbourne & Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Education Southern Cross University, Australia.
Anthony is Co-Chair of Learning Creates Australia. He is the immediate former CEO, Centre for Strategic Education, Melbourne. Anthony is immediate past Chair and current Board Director of the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). Anthony was the inaugural Chair of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), inaugural Deputy Chair of the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) & inaugural Deputy Chair, Education Council, New Zealand.
Anthony is co-founder of the Global Education Leaders Partnership (GELP) and was Foundation Chair of the Innovation Unit UK. He is an Expert Advisor to OECD and is Moderator for the annual International Summit on the Teaching Profession.