INNOVATION FOR IMPACT: LEADING & LEARNING FOR SUSTAINABLE EDUCATIONAL TRANSFORMATION

When the final sessions ended, and each step gathered on the stage with the scream “IES” as the shutter clicked and the lights dimmed, one thing echoed louder than any keynote: gratitude.

From the very beginning, this year’s International Educators Summit was more than just a conference; it was a community in motion. When we first envisioned IES 2025, we knew we wanted it to be different. Not just another education conference, but a living, breathing movement, one that brings people together across borders, backgrounds, and bandwidths without necessarily carrying luggage. But achieving this meant one big decision: going hybrid.

Choosing to run a hybrid conference wasn’t easy. It came with its fair share of unknowns: technology setup, engagement concerns, coordination complexity, and more. But at the core of that decision was our commitment to access and inclusion. We didn’t want location to limit learning. With that resolve, we leaned into the challenge, and Whova became our bridge.

Thanks to the Whova App, a relentless planning team, and a community that showed up with passion and flexibility, IES 2025 lived up to its promise: innovation for impact.

Over three unforgettable days through compelling keynotes, rich breakout and panel sessions, the school tour, our cosy presenters’ lounge, the ever-buzzing network dinner, and our pilgrimage to the Dubois Centre. IES 2025 was indeed one for the books.

One Event. Two Worlds. Zero Barriers.

Navigating the hybrid shift wasn’t easy; the learning curve was real. Behind the scenes, our planning team worked tirelessly; there were tech tests, upload challenges, team training, speaker training, and moments where we questioned if it would all come together. But it did.

Through Whova, participants from around the world joined the IES experience in real time. They attended sessions, asked questions, networked, and cheered virtually during panels and keynotes. The energy on the app mirrored the buzz in the physical venue.

What began as an uncertainty became one of our biggest wins. We have learnt lessons, gained confidence, and opened up new possibilities for hosting meaningful and inclusive learning experiences in the future.

IES 2025 wasn’t just an event; it was a reminder that innovation isn’t limited to what we teach, but also to how we gather to learn.

The Highlights

We witnessed trailblazing ideas from classroom changemakers and policy visionaries. From Dr. Charles Yeboah’s stirring reminder that

“for learning to thrive, we must invest in growing our teachers,”  

to the presentations from our keynote speakers and thought leaders, the amazing breakout sessions by our presenters on every floor, and the fun daily wrap-up, every moment added a brushstroke to this colourful canvas of learning.

Our school tour at Madina Estates Basic School opened minds to the possibilities and puzzles of real-world education transformation, and the presenters’ lounge created space for deeper connection and collaboration. At the network dinner, stories were shared, partnerships were born, and laughter lingered as the Ghanaian highlife beats echoed in the hall.

The special touch on Saturday brought some peace and joy when our afternoon breakout session was not the normal studies but a touch of peace on the ICS campus with our Yoga and dance classes. We relaxed our inner spirits and danced the tiredness away.

To The Ones Who Made It Happen

IES 2025 wouldn’t have been a success without the dedicated IES planning team.

A special thanks to Dr. Charles Yeboah, our Executive Director, and our two amazing team leads, Dr. Jill Harrison Berg and Dr. Laureen Adams, for their leadership and unwavering support.

To our yearlong planning team that worked tirelessly with us for this success, we are grateful: Basheera Agyeman, Benita Gordon, Chaunte Garrett, Cletus Sungdong, Dolores Cormier-Zenon, Elizabeth Brown-Davis, Mariah Gertrude Nandyona, Mary Rice-Booth, Natasha Blake, Tanji Reed Marshall, Teimosa Martin, Enoch Oye, Richard Sarpong and Mr. Kwadwo Konadu Yeboah.

To Robyn Speed, whose impact made IES receive the needed financial support and to Failatu Abdul-Mumin, our financial manager, we say a big thank you.

We acknowledge our incredible office team: Ernestina Addo, Emmanuel Amponsah Doodo, and Agnes Bekoe. They had the heroic and tireless tasks of tracking all the details, communicating with all the stakeholders, and connecting all the dots to ensure a seamless experience for all, and they did this spectacularly!

To our incredible participants online and onsite, thank you for showing up with open minds and full hearts. You turned every room into a space of discovery.

To our speakers and presenters, your expertise and authenticity moved us. Thank you for generously pouring into us.

To our Mission Sponsor, McGraw-Hill; Leader Sponsor, University of San Diego School of Leadership and Education Sciences; Supporter Sponsor, PBL Works; and every supporter and partner who believed in this vision, thank you for making this possible.

To the volunteers, every detail you managed helped the summit flow with ease and warmth.

What We Heard

The comments from our LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook were filled with excitement from participants on their anticipation, conference experiences and post-conference reflections. Here are some highlights.

“Excited to have participated in the International Educators Summit organised by ASCD Ghana. This incredible event brought together educators from around the globe to share best practices in education and mental health. I had the privilege of presenting on Sleep Hygiene and its vital role in well-being and learning. Engaging with educators from diverse backgrounds, including the US and Ghana, enriched my perspective and fueled my passion for mental health education. Throughout the summit, I gained insights into student-centred approaches and collaborative programs that promote well-being in schools. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and exchange ideas with fellow educators,” – Samuel Panti (MPhil, BSc, PGDE)

“From the first moment to the final session, the summit was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when passionate educators, school leaders, policymakers, and change agents gather to reflect, connect, collaborate, and reimagine education together. The mission of ASCD Ghana – intentionality, shared learning, and bold transformation – was felt in every session, every handshake, and every conversation. From the main auditorium discussions to the breakout sessions bursting with energy and ideas – this is how change begins. It was especially inspiring to see teachers from across the globe sharing openly. Because at the heart of every education system lies the teacher – and their growth, voice, and professional development must be prioritised if we want real, sustainable progress.” – Kwame Nyatuame

“It was an honour to represent the University of San Diego School of Leadership and Education Sciences as a sponsor for the ASCD Ghana 2025 International Educators Summit in Accra. The event showcased best practices in education from throughout the African Diaspora. Having the opportunity to learn from both veteran and emerging leaders was a true joy! From explorations into the integration of artificial intelligence in schools to removing the stigma of neurodiversity, we covered it all! Our team at CEEN is committed to continuing the conversation and helping to build capacity for serving the needs of neurodiverse learners globally.” – Dr Niki Elliott.

“Thank you, ASCD Ghana, for a wonderful 3 days! I am forever changed!” – Clyde Cole

“Another Ghana ASCD conference in the books! Thank You ASCD Ghana 🇬🇭 for an amazing conference!” – Mrs. Natasha Blake-McDowell.

“You were not impacted? How possible? I’m so glad to share my badge of recognition for attending the 2025 edition of the International Educators’ Summit, themed “Innovation for Impact: Leading & Learning for Sustainable Educational Transformation.” During the Summit, I was so blessed and empowered coming under the influence of amazing Innovators, Professors and thoughtful leaders like Dr. Pedro A. Noguera, Dr. Mary Asabea Ashun, Dr. Niki Elliott and many other seasoned speakers for the three-day Summit. Thank you, Speakers. The summit was so insightful and impactful.” – Isaac Kwame Mensah