Unlocking the Transformational Power of Education
Education has the power to transform lives. It “liberates the intellect, unlocks the imagination and is fundamental for self-respect. It is the key to prosperity and opens a world of opportunities, making it possible for each of us to contribute to a progressive, healthy society.” (United Nations)
Education is recognized as a primary driver for lifting people out of poverty and for addressing today’s most pressing social, economic and environmental challenges. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for action; achieving them requires a fundamental shift in how we approach education at a local level. As governments, departments of education and school districts align around the SDGs we must ask: how do we unlock the transformational power of education?
Our experience suggests that fostering wellbeing in our schools and school systems is the key that unlocks the transformational power of education. Students learn best when they are well. Supporting the wellbeing of staff is equally important. “Just as children need to be healthy, safe, engaged, challenged, and supported to perform to their highest ability, so do the school employees who are charged with educating, guiding, nurturing, and protecting them.” (National Association of Chronic Disease Directors) Supporting the wellbeing of the very people who make education possible unlocks the creativity, passion and commitment necessary for our students, and the system itself, to flourish.
It sounds so simple: of course, we want an education system where students and staff can flourish. And yet, the stories we hear and the reports we read suggest that public education systems are facing significant concerns. It is becoming apparent that issues such as violence in schools and staffing shortages are not just interconnected, they are also the result of broader social pressures.
Schools and school districts are responding to these pressures by providing a variety of health and social supports so that students can arrive in class ready to learn. A flourishing school community goes beyond targeted programs: it incorporates universal approaches that create work and learning environments where everyone can feel respected and valued, and where they can find belonging, purpose and joy. By focusing on the wellbeing of students, staff, and entire school communities, education systems can advance important goals such as Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).
The 2024-2025 edition on Education Canada celebrates the great things happening across Canada. Flourishing school communities, and flourishing education systems, are built collaboratively. Engaging our students, staff, unions, trustees, governments, parents and community partners in the process not only allows for a shared vision and better outcomes, but the process itself fosters wellbeing. Educators and system leaders are implementing strategies to enhance wellbeing; by sharing our successes and the lessons learned along the way, we can inspire others and uplift Canadian K-12 education.
Do you have a story to share about how your school, school district or organization is:
- Fostering workplace wellbeing?
- Implementing comprehensive school health?
- Building partnerships with health and social services?
We want to hear from you! Please reach out to Kathleen Lane, Executive Director of the EdCan Network.
