The Role of Education in Developing Conscious World Citizens
Discussion led by
PEGGY PELONIS
Vice President, American Community Schools of Athens, Greece
With:
• David Gleason
Consulting Psychologist, Concord Academy
• Jamie Steckart
Head of School, THINK Global School
• Julia Tokatlidou
Vice Principal, American Community Schools of Athens
Opening Plenary: Thursday, October 24
Educators and educational leaders often ponder the question, “What is the purpose of education?" The obvious answer is to help students obtain knowledge and skills in order to succeed in a very competitive world.
However, education is also about teaching values, developing mindsets that appreciate diversity, stimulating both creativity and intellect and perhaps eventually about applying these to improve human life on the planet. Thus, ultimately, education conceivably is about providing educational experience, both academic and other, to encourage conscious world citizens.
Peggy Pelonis will lead a discussion with colleagues David Gleason, Jamie Steckart and Julia Tokatlidou demonstrating through story, video and examples the importance of partnerships in such endeavors. By highlighting young voices, they aim to stimulate thought about the implications of intentionally developing conscious world citizens in schools.