Teachers Lead Education Reform Through Learning Circles in Asia-Pacific
The Education International Asia-Pacific (EIAP) office recently hosted a learning event on teacher-led learning circles for formative assessment (T3LFA). The event aimed to reflect on progress, share successes, and plan for sustainable professional development. It also focused on strengthening union advocacy for teacher empowerment.
Launched in 2023 with funding from the Jacobs Foundation, the T3LFA project runs until 2026. It supports educators in developing and sharing effective formative assessment practices. The initiative operates across seven countries, including Malaysia and South Korea, through partnerships with NUTP and KTU.
Teachers at the Heart of Change
At the event in Seoul, South Korea (October 25–26, 2025), EIAP Regional Director Anand Singh highlighted the importance of the “4 Ps” – People, Public, Profession, and Planet. He called T3LFA a “natural sister” to the Go Public! Fund Education campaign, emphasizing the need for unions to lead professional learning.
KTU President Younghwan Park echoed this vision. “When the teacher learns, students grow,” he said. Teachers from Malaysia and Korea shared experiences using innovative strategies such as AI-based assessment, video analysis, and student self-assessment tools.
EI Coordinator Martin Henry presented findings from the TALIS 2024 report, underlining how teacher leadership improves retention, learning outcomes, and well-being.
Ultimately, these learning circles represent more than training—they symbolize collective action and pedagogical activism. As unions champion teacher leadership, they remind the world that empowered teachers inspire thriving students and stronger education systems.
