Renewed Through Connection: Lessons from Global.Learn.Connect in São Paulo

Bringing together educators from across Brazil and a number of countries, the Global.Learn.Connect Conference, held in São Paulo in May, provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and challenge some assumptions about teaching and learning. The opening day invited us to reflect on how education continues to evolve through a creative hands-on experience, as participants used canvas and art materials to express their thinking around themes such as wellbeing, inclusion, agency, and student voice.

One of the most powerful aspects of the conference was the diversity of perspectives shared by educators from different contexts. Hearing about the realities faced by a school in Cuba was particularly moving. Despite significant challenges, the resourceful team at the International School of Havana demonstrated how meaningful learning experiences can continue to thrive. Their adaptation of Entry and Exit Points was especially inspiring, creating opportunities for learners to express their thinking and make their learning visible in ways that were authentic, meaningful, and rich with potential.

A recurring theme throughout the conference was the power of materials to spark learners’ curiosity, imagination, and agency. Combined with interdisciplinary approaches, particularly through STEAM learning, these experiences showed how children can engage deeply with complex ideas. During one school-led workshop, my group was challenged to design a house with an insulated roof to promote energy conservation by reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. When asked to link this concept to Language Arts, we quickly found ourselves reimagining one of the Three Little Pigs’ houses as an environmentally friendly home. It was a wonderful reminder that creativity and learning flourish when disciplines intersect. The host school’s commitment to the “Power of YET” was visible throughout the campus and served as a powerful symbol of renewal. It reinforced the idea that education is not about perfection or immediate success, but about growth, perseverance, and possibility. “Yet” reminds us that learning is a lifelong journey; we may not understand, achieve, or master something today, but we can continue developing tomorrow. It encourages both children and adults to embrace challenges and remain open to new opportunities for learning.

Leading the workshop ‘Capturing Children’s Voices to Shape Learning’ was both rewarding and challenging. While public speaking does not come naturally to me (at least not yet!), it was a privilege to share examples of how the Pre-School children at OLM have shaped classroom projects through their own curiosity, interests, and passions. Presenting their ideas and seeing the value that others found in their thinking reinforced my belief that when we truly listen to children and provide opportunities for ownership, learning becomes more meaningful, authentic, and impactful.

We always look forward to attending workshops when we participate in a conference, but the conversations around the tables, the shared reflections, and the connections made during the breaks proved equally valuable. I hope it will not be too long before we come together again to continue inspiring growth and innovation. I left São Paulo feeling renewed, motivated, and grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside such a remarkable international network of educators. I look forward to continuing these conversations through future ICA events, webinars, and conferences, and to seeing where our shared commitment to learning will take us next.