As the reports near completion and the Polish findings have already been shared in a previous article, below are key recommendations from the Polish case study involving two universities. To successfully embed Global Education (GE) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into Initial Teacher Education (ITE), several systemic changes are necessary:
Clear Regulations & Standards – Current teacher education standards lack a structured approach to GE and ESD. These frameworks should be revised to include relevant goals, skills, and knowledge.
Mandatory Courses on Contemporary Issues – Future teachers should have access to required subjects covering climate change, intercultural relations, and civic education.
ESD & GE Training for Academics – Educators preparing future teachers should undergo specialized training in these areas. Ideally, GE and ESD should be embedded across all university courses, ensuring both teachers and students develop a strong foundation in these critical topics.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Universities should establish teams dedicated to designing teacher education frameworks that remain consistent despite staff changes.
Partnerships with Schools – Stronger collaboration between universities and practicing teachers is essential. Creating platforms, such as discussion forums, would enable school educators to share insights and experiences with academic staff.
Supervision & Support for Academic Teachers – Providing mentorship or supervisory programs could help shape educators' perspectives and competencies in GE and ESD.
A Holistic & Cooperative Approach – Achieving meaningful integration requires collaboration at all levels, which remains a challenge but is essential for lasting impact.
Inspiring Future Teachers – One highly engaged educator emphasized the importance of fostering hope when teaching GE and ESD, stating, "There are too many dystopias already—we need to show hope."
By implementing these changes, universities can ensure that future teachers are well-equipped to address the challenges of today’s world while inspiring their students to do the same.