Educators shaping futures: What we know, still need to learn, and can do

Global education leaders recently met in Addis Ababa to focus on a central challenge: how to prepare and support teachers so that every child can learn effectively. Educators, policymakers and researchers from dozens of countries shared evidence and experiences on key stages of a teacher’s career. The goal was to identify what works, what remains unknown and what concrete actions can improve teaching quality everywhere.

There is strong evidence that high-quality teacher preparation, as well as structured induction programs and ongoing professional development significantly improve classroom performance. When teachers receive mentoring and relevant continuous learning, they are better equipped to support students’ foundational skills. Leadership in schools also amplifies these effects by protecting time for collaboration and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Despite what we know, gaps remain in how to translate successful models into large-scale practice. Questions persist about how to deliver high-quality programs within government systems without diluting quality, how to protect teacher wellbeing and agency, and how to use technology and AI responsibly to support educators. Understanding these areas better will help policymakers design more effective systems all around the world.

Participants of this meeting also identified practical steps forward, including strengthening partnerships at every level, advocating for evidence-based policy reform, restructuring teacher education and sharing knowledge across networks. Piloting new tools, integrating mentorship AI with appropriate responsibility were among the emerging priorities highlighted by education leaders. These combined efforts aim to ensure that well-prepared teachers can help students master foundational skills, leading to healthier, more resilient societies and economies.

Reference: World Bank. (2026, February 10). Educators shaping futures: What we know, still need to learn, and can do. World Bank Blogs. https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/education/educators-shaping-futures–what-we-know–still-need-to-learn–an