ZAPOPAN, Jalisco; June 23, 2023. Bachelor's Degree in Pedagogy and educational innovation, Spark UP and the School of Pedagogy and Psychology of the Universidad Panamericana campus Guadalajara held the conference "Teachers Matter" with the presence of Ms. Keishia Thorpe, awarded as the best educator in the world in 2021.
Keishia Thorpe as educator
A true social transformer, Thorpe has been recognized for her work with students in and out of the classroom, and has received multiple awards and accolades for her work. These include Governor Larry Hogan's Medal of Excellence, the Mayor's Unsung Hero Community Award and the 2018-19 U.S. LifeChanger of the Year.
Responsibilities of a great teacher
The conference was an opportunity to hear the life testimony of Thorpe, who has spoken about her academic and work career, as well as the obstacles she has had to overcome to be considered the best educator in the world according to the Varkey Foundation and UNESCO.
"I know education is not a profession that many people aspire to, but I chose that path because I knew someone had to be a champion for those kids."
In addition, Thorpe has shared her thoughts on the responsibilities of a great teacher and the characteristics that those who aspire to be change-makers in the world of education should have. According to her, "the best teachers are those who lead change and are able to inspire their students to learn and grow".
Importance of listening to teachers
In this sense, Thorpe has called on educational leaders to learn to listen to teachers and allow them to lead in the classroom. This is the only way to achieve a quality education that shapes the citizens of the future.
"The best teachers are change makers (...) It is time for leaders to learn to listen, so that educators can lead and students can learn."
The Teachers Matter Conference reaffirms that education is a powerful tool to transform the world. Thanks to the presence of Ms. Keishia Thorpe, it was possible to learn first-hand about the experience of a true leader in the world of education.
