When global education giant McGraw Hill decided to sponsor the International Educators Summit (IES) 2025, it was more than just a financial commitment; it was a heartfelt partnership driven by purpose. As Lead Sponsor, McGraw-Hill contributed $25,000, helping to make this year’s summit a resounding success. At the centre of this decision was one influential voice: Dr. Ruby Ababio-Fernandez, a passionate education thought leader and proud daughter of Ghana.
“Dr. Ruby made us aware of the event and asked if we would like to sponsor it,” said Sean Ryan, President of the K–12 group at McGraw-Hill. “When she told me about the work being done by ASCD Ghana, and when I learned about the reforms happening in Ghana, it seemed like a place I would want to visit and learn more.”
And visit he did, immersing himself fully in the summit experience, sharing insights, and forging connections across borders. For Sean, the value of IES 2025 went far beyond ideas and presentations.
“This has been a wonderful exchange of ideas between educators across both sides of the Atlantic. But more than that, people are inspiring each other,” he said. “Just knowing that there are like-minded people, regardless of national boundaries, trying to accomplish the same things in a complex world… It’s incredibly encouraging and gratifying.” He added.
Sean also emphasised that effective education requires more than just curriculum and assessment; it demands awareness of context: the cultural, social, and systemic challenges students face, both inside and outside the classroom.
“Education is extremely complicated,” he said. “It’s not simply a matter of having good teaching, good curriculum, and aligned assessment. You also have to take into consideration the social context, the cultural context, and all the challenges children, students, parents, families, and administrators face outside of the classroom.”
As for the long-term impact of IES, Sean believes the ripple effect will be powerful. “The people here are already deeply committed to education. What this event gives them is extra motivation, extra energy, and maybe an extra tool or tool they can bring back to their environments to be just a little more effective.”
He left attendees with a simple but profound reminder, one borrowed from Dr. Charles Yeboah: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with someone.”
“You can go with this group. They’re now part of your tribe because you’ve participated in this event,” he said.
McGraw-Hill’s sponsorship was more than generous. It brought voices together, built bridges between continents, and reaffirmed that the future of education thrives on collaboration, community, and shared vision.
Ghana ASCD is immensely grateful to Sean Ryan, Dr. Ruby, and the entire McGraw-Hill team for believing in IES 2025 and choosing to invest in a global movement for educators, by educators.
