The International Educators Summit (IES) 2025 was not just a gathering of minds; it was a convergence of missions. At the heart of this year’s experience was the inspiring presence and support of the University of San Diego School of Leadership and Education Sciences, whose involvement as a sponsor marked a powerful commitment to inclusive education and global collaboration.

“It was Zaretta Hammond,” said Dr. Niki Elliott, Clinical Professor at the University of San Diego School of Leadership and Education Sciences, when asked what inspired the university’s partnership with Ghana ASCD for IES 2025.

“She is someone that I greatly admire. I teach and use her book as a text in my courses, and when I saw that she was a keynote speaker here last year, that sparked my interest in Ghana ASCD,” she explained.

That spark led to more than just curiosity; it ignited a profound partnership rooted in mutual vision and impact.

Dr. Elliott’s work centres on building certificate programs for teachers, counsellors, and all educators who work with children, particularly those with neurodivergent needs. “Our mission is to give them strategies and an understanding of how to support neurodivergent learners and to be more inclusive of them.”

Her presence at IES 2025 was not just symbolic; it was a statement of intent. “What I noticed so much, so many of our HBCUs are enrolling greater and greater numbers of African students who are highly gifted scholars. It breaks the kind of stereotypes that many in America have of what life is like here or what education levels are available,” she mentioned.

At IES 2025, Dr. Elliott delivered a deeply moving and intellectually rich address that left many school leaders and educators inspired. But it’s her commitment to long-term impact that stands out. “We are building certificates to partner with school districts, private schools, and agencies… to have every person who works with children understand the basic foundations of neurodiversity.” She pointed out.

She’s particularly passionate about Ghana, where she sees an opportunity to work from the ground up. “I’ve been informed that there’s not a big culture of teacher training in special education and that children who do have these diagnoses are often separated… there’s interest now in changing that.”

With research and models already showing great promise in the U.S., the University of San Diego School of Leadership and Education Sciences is well-positioned to support inclusive education systems in Ghana as well.

“We would love to be a part of the ground floor here in Ghana to support inclusive ed for Black children who have diagnoses”, Dr Elliot Indicated.

When asked what one thing she would want every Ghanaian educator to take away from her work, Dr. Elliott didn’t hesitate: “Understand the basics of applied educational neuroscience.” She explained, “It impacts the way we design classrooms, the way we understand sensory and relational needs, and the way we deliver instruction to teach with their brains in mind. When we can do all of those things, we get the chance to see the genius that’s underneath the surface.”

After spending two full days immersed in the Summit, she shared her reflections: “I’m excited to go home and tell people about everything we’ve experienced at this conference. I believe the collaboration between the U.S. and Ghana is so powerful to advance a collective unity that can take us all to the next level.”

Dr. Elliott hopes to return in 2026, this time with an even larger cohort. “Not just to come and think that we have everything to teach, but to come and learn and to partner and expand together what we can all do well to change the narrative for all Black learners throughout the whole African diaspora.”

The University of San Diego’s involvement in IES 2025 is a testament to what happens when values align across oceans. Ghana ASCD is deeply grateful for their sponsorship and vision. Together, we are not just planning events; we are building a movement where each educator is empowered to innovate and lead a sustainable transformation in their space.