You don’t need another inspirational talk. You need guidance you can test against your own context. This conference gives you access to leading expertise – and the chance to work with it, not just listen to it. Expect to take part, not just attend – with prompts and structure that help you translate insight into action.
Across two half-day virtual sessions on 7 – 8 May 2026, the International Leaders Conference 2026 brings together school leaders from around the world to explore how we turn good intentions into lasting improvement – in ways that are realistic, grounded and sustainable.
Delivered in partnership with Education Leaders, the conference connects proven leadership practice with tools you can apply straight away with your team and school community. Conference themes include:
Sustainability Works Both Ways: Schools need leaders who can drive the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals forward while also leading change that doesn’t exhaust their teams. We’ll tackle both – because you can’t build for tomorrow if you’re burning people out today.
Evidence to Monday Morning: Our 30 years alongside international schools meets Education Leaders’ question-led approach to change. You’ll take away research-informed strategies you can use immediately and adapt to your context.
Building Capacity, Not Dependency: We’ll explore how to empower your teams, grow middle leadership and create the conditions for improvement to stick – without change resting on one person trying to fix everything.
Investing in leadership This year we’re launching the conference during Chinese New Year – a time associated with renewal, generosity, and fresh beginnings – and we’re leaning into the symbolism of the lucky number eight. In many cultures, eight represents growth and prosperity, which feels like a fitting thread for the kind of leadership we’re trying to build together.
Individual ticket: £88
3-ticket bundle: £200
5-ticket bundle: £350
Leadership Party (shared-screen experience + setup support): £888
And here’s a simple idea we’re calling the Red Envelope Gift: if you book a place to attend, you can choose to gift a free place to an emerging or aspiring leader you want to sponsor, mentor, or support. It’s a practical way to invest forward, bringing someone new into the conversation and strengthening leadership capacity across your school.
A speaker lineup with real depth We’re pleased to welcome internationally recognised voices in education, including:
Tom Sherrington – Director of Teaching Walkthrus and author who writes the popular blog teacherhead.com
Zaretta Hammond – an educator and author of best-selling books Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain and Rebuilding Students’ Learning Power
They’re joined by a strong group of practitioner-experts, including Adam Kohlbeck, Chris Passey, Meg Lee, Lori Cohen, and more voices from across the international school community.
Why the International Leaders Conference is different The conference is designed for implementation not just inspiration. Every section is built to help you translate insight into next steps you can take with your team and it’s also a great opportunity to attend alongside someone you’re supporting or mentoring (including through the Red Envelope Gift).
All attendees receive a digital Leaders Playbook, including:
Key speaker ideas and recommended reading
Guided reflection questions
Clear “What’s next?” questions to support action back at school
Sessions will be recorded, but we won’t release full recordings afterwards. Instead, attendees receive curated summary videos with expert commentary, keeping the focus on live participation, discussion, and shared momentum while still giving you something useful to revisit.
To keep the learning moving, everyone is also invited to a free drop-in session two weeks after the conference, with potential opportunities for optional one-to-one coaching with speakers (subject to availability). If you’re committed to leadership that makes a lasting difference – for your team, your students, and your school – we’d love you to join us.
In just one month, educators from across the world will gather in the heart of Prague for two days of professional growth and global collaboration. On 26 – 27 March 2026, Global Learn Connect returns with a clear invitation: not simply to attend, but to engage, reflect, contribute, and transform.
This year’s theme, “Adapting, Thriving and Transforming: Where Legacy Meets Tomorrow – Nurturing Teachers, Inspiring Change”, recognises that education is at a pivotal moment. Schools are navigating complexity and evolving expectations. The need for courageous leadership, collaborative thinking and practical innovation has never been greater.
Voices that inspire Across two dynamic days, delegates will hear from keynote speakers who challenge assumptions and spark new thinking. Amongst them is Sharon West from the International Curriculum Association, who brings deep experience in educational leadership and international collaboration. She reflects:
“When educators come together across borders and contexts, we do more than exchange ideas, we strengthen our collective capacity to shape the future of learning. Conferences like Global Learn Connect remind us that innovation is rooted in collaboration.”
From conversation to collaboration: Talking Tables A highlight of this year’s programme is Talking Tables; an interactive format designed to promote meaningful dialogue and genuine exchange.
Talking Tables creates a collaborative learning environment where every participant has a voice. The aim is simple but powerful: through structured conversation, participants gain fresh perspectives, build new connections and leave with actionable insights.
Learning in action Delegates will also have the unique opportunity to participate in a guided learning walk at Prague British International School. This experience is more than just a school tour, observe authentic practice:
A guided tour of the school campus
Insight into the school’s journey with the international curriculum
Context around how global frameworks are interpreted within a local setting
The opportunity to visit classrooms and see learning in action
Open mic: The Collective Voice The voice of our community is the heart of the International Curriculum Association, and we are constantly seeking ways to create space for meaningful engagement. Global Learn Connect will close with an open mic session to provide an interactive platform for participants to voice their perspectives, tell their stories and present their ideas in a supportive and inclusive environment.
With just one month to go, the momentum is building Global Learn Connect 2026 is not simply another date in the diary. It is an opportunity to reconnect with purpose, expand your professional network and return to your school inspired and equipped for change.
As 2025 draws to a close, we’re delighted to announce the theme of next year’s Global.Learn.Connect Conferences!
School leaders and educators from all over the world will come together in Prague (26 – 27 March) and São Paulo (28 – 29 May) for a dynamic two-day event to learn from their peers, exchange ideas and grow their practice with renewed insights.
The theme for 2026’s Global.Learn.Connect Conferences is:
Adapting, Thriving and Transforming
Where Legacy Meets Tomorrow: Nurturing Teachers, Inspiring Change
Excellent educators don’t just teach their students – they teach and learn from each other too. The upcoming conferences will celebrate collaborative professional development, highlighting how educators can support and challenge each other to shape the future of learning.
As curriculum agnostic conferences, the Global.Learn.Connect Conferences are a brilliant opportunity for all educators to learn about new ways of teaching; you do not need to be an ICA-subscribed school to register a place.
The conferences will feature inspiring keynote speakers and teacher-led workshops alongside opportunities for collaborative dialogue with fellow international educators, making them the perfect place to pursue your professional development. By meeting members of our worldwide community you will engage with new perspectives, expand your horizons as an international educator and enhance your pedagogical approach.
Early bird tickets are available before 28 February for the Prague conference or before 17 April for São Paulo. We look forward to seeing you there!
Author
International Curriculum Association
The International Curriculum Association (ICA) brings together the three age ranges of the International Curriculum: the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) for learners aged 2-5+ years old; the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) for learners aged 5-11 years old; and the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) for learners aged 11-14 years old, with Professional Development for teachers and leaders and a two-stage Recognition and Accreditation process for schools, to ensure that with teachers, leaders and schools, we are improving learning, together.
The wait is nearly over! With just one month to go until our vibrant global community joins us in sunny Bali for the International Curriculum Conference 2025, we are beyond excited to announce our partnership with The Association of National and Private Schools (ANPS) and introduce our second keynote speaker, Wayan Sutrisna.
Welcoming visionary leader, Wayan Sutrisna, as our second keynote speaker
We are thrilled to introduce our second keynote speaker, Wayan Sutrisna, who is one of Bali’s leading practitioners in Maharishi Transcendental Meditation and Director of Education for World Peace.
Wayan Sutrisna’s career in education spans over 20 years, focusing on the use of Transcendental Meditation techniques to empower his student to become better learners through promoting clearer thinking, better focus, and increased self-confidence. Sutrisna’s innovative approach to learning highlights that by helping to shape peaceful brains, we create peaceful students, and in turn actively contribute to creating a peaceful world. Sutrisna’s dedication to the practice of Transcendental Meditation has shaped the lives of thousands of students in becoming the open-minded and empathetic leaders who are equipped to respond to the challenges of the modern world. We can’t wait to hear his insights!
Forging new paths with ANPS
This year, we are delighted to announce that we have partnered with ANPS for the final day of the Conference. We are excited to be enhancing our Conference further through partnering with a vibrant community of educators committed to best practices in teaching and learning in Indonesia.
As part of our ongoing commitment to inclusive and sustainable education development, we will be hosting a parallel Early Years Education Convention on day three, designed specifically for Indonesian early years educators. This special programme will be delivered in collaboration with the ANPS and will feature its own keynote, focused workshops and access to network opportunities.
The Convention runs in parallel with the main Conference programme and will provide a meaningful platform for local educators to engage with best practices, practical innovations, and peers across the sector.
Learn from our global community
Alongside our guest keynote speaker, we are also hosting a variety of thought-provoking and inspiring workshops facilitated by our dedicated educators across the ICA community.
Across the weekend, ICA educators will be leading a wide range of interactive, hands-on workshops to enhance your communication skills, pedagogy styles, and approaches to the curriculum to create thriving, dynamic, and inclusive learning environments in your schools. From Mathematics in everyday contexts, embedding cultural responsiveness in the classroom, to utilising your professional voice as teachers in the 21st century, there will be a variety of sessions to spark meaningful dialogue and develop your skills to adapt, thrive, and transform with the ICA.
There are a limited number of tickets available for those wanting to secure a spot to this year’s Conference, which focuses on the theme: ‘Education Evolution 25: Adapting, Thriving, and Transforming’. This celebrates 25 years of the International Primary Curriculum and champions our collective commitment to the ICA in the past, present, and future. To secure a last-minute place at the International Curriculum Conference before the price increase on 30 September, click here.
We can’t wait to see you in Bali on the 16 to 18 of October! Sampai jumpa di sana!
The countdown is on – in less than two months our community will be gathering for our flagship International Curriculum Conference 2025, and we are just thrilled to reveal our keynote speaker: Melati Wijsen. Melati is one of the planet’s most influential young changemakers, founder of Bye Bye Plastic Bags and YOUTHTOPIA and is an unstoppable force for environmental action.
From 16-18 October 2025, in the beautiful setting of Bali, Indonesia. This year’s conference will unite ICA educators from across the globe for an unmissable programme of thought-provoking presentations, immersive workshops, vibrant networking and focus on wellbeing.
About Melati – Environmental Powerhouse, Global Leader and Changemaker
Starting at age 12, in her home island of Bali, Melati co-founded Bye Bye Plastic Bags, leading a grassroots movement that successfully banned plastic bags, straws, and Styrofoam locally, sparking global action. Since then, she has:
Presented two TED Talks and addressed the United Nations
Shared stages with Barack Obama
Been part of the World Economic Forums first official youth cohort
Launched YOUTHTOPIA, empowering young leaders with the skills and tools to drive change worldwide
Melati’s work is proof that determination, vision and courage can transform the world, and her insights promise to ignite new thinking for every educator in the room.
Education Evolution 25: Adapting, Thriving, Transforming Our 2025 theme honours our collective journey as educators – learning from the past, embracing the present, and boldly shaping the future. Together we will explore how to:
Adapt to change with resilience and purpose
Thrive in the present by fostering success and wellbeing
Transform learning for lasting impact
Get ready for an unforgettable experience that will leave you inspired, energised, and ready to lead education into its next chapter.
“I cannot recommend this conference highly enough and am looking forward to tapping into the vibrant community of International Curriculum schools once again” – Sara Berenguer, Regents International School, Pattaya, Thailand
“The sessions were thought-provoking, and the networking opportunities were valuable. It was inspiring to connect with like-minded professionals who share a passion for innovative and effective curriculum design.” – Lais de Souza Pontes, Escola Concept São Paulo, Brazil
“The International Curriculum Conference was a great way to reflect on the importance of the curriculum for our learners’ continued development. The impressive number of sessions ensured there was a variety of professional development across the two days; from improving learning through effective planning; to using accreditation to drive school improvement; to providing learners with further opportunities for collaboration and challenge in the classroom.” – Thomas Greene, St Michael’s International School, Jobe, Japan
Booking your tickets early is the best way to ensure your place at the Conference and to take advantage of lower ticket prices. Secure yours before 30 September to avoid the next price increase.
The ICA Teacher Awards shine a spotlight on exceptional teachers at your school. Whether you’re a student with a brilliant teacher, a teacher with an incredible colleague or a member of a school with a truly transformational leader, an ICA Teacher Awards nomination can offer some much-deserved recognition. But how can you put an application together? We’ve broken down our top six tips to demystify the ICA Teacher Awards.
Choose your category carefully
There are eight categories in this year’s ICA Teacher Awards, so make sure to choose the right one for the best chance of success. Is your nominee an exceptional early years teacher, a charismatic community builder or a terrific team making a big difference for your school? Don’t forget that you can nominate yourself for the People’s Choice: Most Inspiring Teacher award. You can only make one nomination per award category, so make sure you think carefully about your choice.
Read the judging criteria
Entries are evaluated based on criteria such as impact on learners and alignment with ICA values, so read these over and think about how they apply to your nominee. Which elements of their work best showcase these criteria, and what evidence can you use to support this? Most importantly, how can you weave this all together into a convincing picture of their career?
Put together a cohesive narrative
Once you’ve decided how to pitch your nominee, it’s time to create a narrative for the judges. Applications must include a written submission of up to 750 words, which should be structured according to the following prompts:
Their impact on learners
Their innovation in practice
Their alignment with ICA values
Their professional growth
Their commitment to student voice and agency
Make sure you tell a cohesive story – the clearer the picture you paint, the better your nominee’s chance of success!
Pay attention to your uploads
To support your narrative, you’ll need to upload supporting documents to showcase your nominee’s work. You can include everything from lesson plans to student testimonials, so get creative and be comprehensive! Make sure that all your evidence is relevant to your narrative, and that you upload all documents in the right size and format.
Ace your video introduction
If your nominee is selected for the second round, they will be asked to provide a one-minute video introduction answering the question ‘What does it mean to be an ICA educator?’. It’s best to prepare the video in advance, since nominees will only have two weeks to submit it. Videos will be scored on relevance to the question, clarity and cohesion of the message, and impact and inspiration.
Entries for the People’s Choice category will also need to submit a one-minute video on the theme of ‘inspirational impact and relatability’, to be published Awards platform. These will be used by the public in the voting process, so make sure to communicate your passion for education in an engaging and inspiring way.
Keep your eyes on the prize
Nominating someone for an ICA Award isn’t just a great way to recognise hard work and encourage inspirational teaching in your school – it also puts them in line for some fantastic rewards! Winners and finalists receive a certificate and trophy along with significant international recognition, raising their professional profile and the profile of your school. Some teachers have even received visits from Prime Ministers or invitations to embassies after winning, so it really is all to play for!
Author
International Curriculum Association
The International Curriculum Association (ICA) brings together the three age ranges of the International Curriculum: the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) for learners aged 2-5+ years old; the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) for learners aged 5-11 years old; and the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) for learners aged 11-14 years old, with Professional Development for teachers and leaders and a two-stage Recognition and Accreditation process for schools, to ensure that with teachers, leaders and schools, we are improving learning, together.
Due to numerous requests, we’re extending the entry deadline for the ICA Teacher Awards. We’ve listened, and we’re giving you more time to shine! The new deadline for submissions is now 11 September 2025 at 23:59. So if you haven’t entered yet, there’s still time to recognise and celebrate outstanding teaching excellence.
The ICA Teacher Awards celebrate educators who embody excellence, innovation, and transformative impact within the International Curriculum community. Now entering its second year, the awards feature eight categories designed to spotlight exceptional teaching, leadership, teamwork, and community engagement.
Award categories
Best Newcomer Award – Recognises an exceptional teacher in their first two years of teaching.
Community Engagement Award – Celebrates educators fostering strong ties between school and community.
IEYC Teacher of the Year – Highlights excellence in early years teaching.
IPC Teacher of the Year – Celebrates achievements in primary-level teaching.
IMYC Teacher of the Year – Acknowledges excellence in middle years education.
Leader of the Year – Recognises transformational school leadership.
Team of the Year – Celebrates outstanding collaborative teams within a school.
People’s Choice: Most Inspiring Teacher – Voted by the global ICA community.
Key dates (updated!)
New deadline:11 September 2025, 23:59
Judging begins: Mid-September 2025
Public voting (People’s Choice): Opens 15 September 2025
Finalists Announced: Friday 26 September 2025
Award Ceremony: Friday 17 October 2025
Who can nominate?
The ICA Teacher Awards are open to teachers, leaders, and teams at ICA Subscribed Schools (both nominator and nominee must be from a subscribed institution).
Nominations are welcomed from colleagues, school leaders, parents, students. Self-nominations are allowed only for the “People’s Choice: Most Inspiring Teacher” category.
We are delighted to bring back the ICA Teacher Awards for a second year! This year, we have introduced 2 new categories and changed the nomination process. Please ensure you have read through the submission guidelines, key dates and FAQs before you submit your nomination.
About the Awards
The ICA Teacher Awards are dedicated to recognising and celebrating excellence, innovation, and transformative impact across the educational landscape. With 8 categories, these awards shine a spotlight on the groundbreaking work being done by individuals and institutions that are truly making a difference in the lives of learners. Our judging process ensures that outstanding contributions are honoured.
Who can apply?
The ICA Teacher Awards are open to our ICA Subscribers! The person making the nomination and the nominee must be part of an ICA Subscribed School to enter.
Award Categories
We are delighted to add 2 new award categories for the ICA Teacher Awards 2025! Please see the 8 categories below and what they highlight.
Best Newcomer Award: Recognises an exceptional teacher in their first two years of teaching.
Community Engagement Award: Celebrates an educator who fosters strong school-community ties.
IEYC Teacher of the Year: Recognises excellence in Early Years.
IPC Teacher of the Year: Celebrates exceptional practice in Primary.
IMYC Teacher of the Year: Acknowledges excellence in Middle Years.
Leader of the Year: Celebrates transformational leadership.
Team of the Year: Celebrates an exceptional team within a school.
People’s Choice: Most Inspiring Teacher: Voted by the global community.
Submission Guidelines
We are thrilled to invite you to submit nominations for the ICA Teacher Awards 2025, celebrating excellence and innovation in education! Please read the following guidelines carefully before submitting your entry.
Key Dates:
Submissions Open – Monday 9 June 2025
Submission deadline – Thursday 31 July 2025
Judging period begins – Friday 1 August 2025
Public voting open (People’s Choice: Most Inspiring Teacher category only) – Friday 1 August 2025
Finalist announcement – Monday 22 September 2025
Award ceremony date – Friday 17 October 2025
How to Submit
All entries must be submitted exclusively via the Awards Platform (click to view the main Awards platform). The platform will be live for submissions from Monday 9 June 2025 for all categories (except People’s Choice: Most Inspiring Teacher) submissions must be a third-party nomination (e.g. by a colleague or school leader).
For the People’s Choice: Most Inspiring Teacher category, self-nominations are permitted. Please click the button below to find out how to enter this category. Keep reading to find out the requirements for the other categories.
The awards are open to all teachers and leaders working in an ICA Subscribed School. Educators from any country, regardless of school size or setting, can apply.
Multiple Entries: Schools may submit multiple entries, but a maximum of one entry is allowed per individual award category, including the Public Vote category. Note: To ensure fair representation, the Public Vote category will be limited to 100 entries.
Entry Format (standard Requirements for all categories, unless specified):
Nominee Information: Provide the nominee’s full name, school, location, role, and contact information.
Category Selection: Select one award category for the entry. If eligible for multiple categories, a separate entry must be submitted for each.
Round 1
Written Submission (750 words maximum): A structured narrative about your nominee using the following prompts as your outline:
*Entries can be submitted in the submitter’s native language. However, please be aware that a digital tool will be used for translation, this may cause some loss in clarity and readability.
Supporting Evidence
Provide relevant and compelling evidence to support your nomination. This may include:
Photos of classroom work or displays
Video snippets (ensure permissions are obtained)
Lesson plans or planning documentation
Testimonials from students, parents, or colleagues
Letters of support (with necessary permissions)
Round 2
Video Introduction (Maximum one minute): A short video where the nominee answers the question: “What does it mean to be an ICA educator?”. You will be scored on the below:
Relevance to the question “What does it mean to be an ICA Educator?”
Clarity and cohesion of the message
Impact and inspiration
Specific Requirements for People’s Choice: Most Inspiring Teacher Category
The entry must be a one-minute video explaining why you should win this category that is suitable for publication on ICA platforms (e.g., Awards platform and social media). For this entry, think about ‘inspirational impact and relatability’. We will ask the public to consider your ability to genuinely inspire and connect with the audience, as well as how effectively you articulate your passion for education and what it truly means to be an inspiring educator. This video will be used for public voting. Submit for this category here.
Judging and Vetting Process Overview
Each category (excluding Public Vote) will have a dedicated judging panel of 3-5 members, including ICA Steering Committee representatives, ICA Ambassadors, 2024 ICA Teacher Award winners, and ICA team members. The shortlisting stage will be blind judged (names and schools redacted). Finalists will undergo vetting for eligibility, conduct, and adherence to ICA values. Background references will be requested from school leaders.
Who can apply for the ICA Teacher Awards? The ICA Teacher Awards are open to our ICA Subscribers! The person making the nomination and the nominee must be part of an ICA Subscribed School to enter.
How many categories are there, and how do I choose the right one? There are 8 award categories, each designed to recognise excellence in specific areas of education. We recommend carefully reviewing each of the categories to determine which best aligns with the nominee’s achievements and the focus of your submission. You may submit multiple entries for multiple nominees, but please note that only one entry is permitted per individual award category, including the Public Vote category.
Is there a fee to submit an entry? No, there is no fee to submit an entry for the ICA Teacher Awards.
What is the submission process? All entries must be submitted online through the awards portal. You will be required to complete an application form, provide a detailed narrative addressing the award criteria, and upload supporting evidence. Please ensure that all required fields are completed and that the supporting documents meet the specified format and size requirements.
What kind of supporting evidence should I provide? We encourage you to provide rich, diverse, and relevant supporting evidence that demonstrates the nominee’s impact and innovation. This can include, but is not limited to, student work samples, testimonials (from students, parents, colleagues), data on learner outcomes, photos, videos, lesson plans, project documentation, or relevant research. Ensure all evidence directly supports the claims made in your narrative.
If I’m nominated, will I have to do anything? Yes! If your submission advances to Round 2, you will be contacted to provide a one-minute video introduction answering the question: “What does it mean to be an ICA educator?”. Please have your video ready, as you will have only two weeks to submit it. Submissions received after this deadline cannot be accepted.
How are entries judged? Entries undergo a rigorous 3-round judging process. In the first round, a panel of judges evaluates submissions based on criteria such as impact on learners, innovation in practice, alignment with ICA values, evidence and documentation, professional growth, and student voice and agency. We will then request a Video introduction (max one minute): Answering “What does it mean to be an ICA educator?” from the nominated candidate. Shortlisted entries then proceed to a final round where the supporting evidence provided helps determine the winners.
Who will be on the judging panel? Once confirmed, the judging panel will be published. This panel will consist of your educational peers, members of the ICA Team, ICA Ambassadors, and the 2024 ICA Teacher Award winners.
Can I be nominated if I am on the judging panel? To ensure impartiality, you are eligible for nomination in any category where you are not a member of the judging panel, given that each category has its own distinct panel.
When will the finalists and winners be announced? Please refer to the key dates outlined above. Finalists will be announced in September 2025.
What do finalists and winners receive? Finalists and winners will receive significant international recognition, including features on our website and social media channels, as well as an award certificate and trophy. Winners may also be invited to present their work at future ICA events or webinars, further amplifying their impact.
Can I get feedback on my submission? Due to the high volume of entries, we are unable to provide individual feedback on submissions. However, we encourage all applicants to carefully review the judging criteria before submitting to ensure their entry is as strong as possible.
Who should I contact if I have further questions? If you have any questions not covered in this FAQ, please do not hesitate to contact us by emailing jade.driver@internationalcurriculum.com or clare.sutton@internationalcurriculum.com for ICA Teacher Awards queries. For any technical queries, please email info@zealous.co.
Author
International Curriculum Association
The International Curriculum Association (ICA) brings together the three age ranges of the International Curriculum: the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) for learners aged 2-5+ years old; the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) for learners aged 5-11 years old; and the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) for learners aged 11-14 years old, with Professional Development for teachers and leaders and a two-stage Recognition and Accreditation process for schools, to ensure that with teachers, leaders and schools, we are improving learning, together.
Español
Nederlands
Chinese Mandarin
