The Managers’ Forum brought together various education administrators and their peers to share ideas and real-life experiences on the first day of Bett Brasil, Latin America’s largest education and technology event. Topics discussed included issues related to the central theme “Education and Work for New Futures,” continuing professional development for teachers, and parental education, among others.

Based on the theme “Do as I do, not just as I say — Homology of Processes in School Management,” speakers Ana Ligia Scachetti, CEO of Associação Nova Escola; Patricia Auerbach, founder and CEO of Redelê; and Erik Horner, principal of Colégio Humboldt, discussed the meaning of homology, a strategy to be used with education students. 

Erik Horner presented the process used at Humboldt and highlighted “the importance of ongoing professional development for teachers”; the exchange of ideas among teachers allows “one to inspire the other with ideas and experiences,” Erik commented. Patrícia emphasized that “education students have a vast theoretical foundation but little practical experience; I realized that educators can build together through discussion circles,” she said.

Next, experts reflected on the need for schools to welcome families during the thought-provoking lecture “Do Schools Also Educate Families?”, moderated by Sr. Adair Aparecida Sberga, vice president of ANEC (National Association of Catholic Education in Brazil), Aline França, principal of Hub Pampulha School, and Janaina Rangel Jordão, founder of Colégio Ranieri, who shared their experiences with the students’ parents.

“Over the years, schools have built walls between themselves and families rather than bridges,” said Aline França. “It’s important to invite families to talk, and the way this is done makes all the difference. I realize that parents are in need of attention, and it’s important to make them feel welcome.” The educator also emphasized the need to show that both parents and children are important to the school.

“A manager needs to be human and understand the humanity of these families; small gestures make a difference—such as greeting the children at the door—which shows that we are welcoming and caring for them,” added Sr. Adair. Promoting positive education and helping parents raise their children can be a way to improve learning.

The Managers’ Forum is aimed at administrators and leaders of private elementary and secondary schools and will take place over the four days of the event, featuring panels focused on strategic issues in Brazilian education, such as political, economic, and financial aspects; human resources management; finance; continuing education for teachers; school digitization, marketing, technological innovations, the digital transformation of institutions, and adapting teaching and learning to the world of today and the future.  

Bett Brasil runs through Friday (May 12). Anyone wishing to visit the Bett Brasil 2023 exhibition area at the Transamerica Expo Center can simply register for free on-site to see and connect with the latest innovations from a wide range of education-related sectors.

Did you like it? Share it on social media: