International Forum for Teachers 2025 Highlights Inclusive Classrooms

The seventh International Forum for Teachers (IFT), organised by Gateway Graduate School in partnership with the University of Flinders (Australia) and Pearson Edexcel, concluded on Saturday at the BMICH, Colombo, bringing together a wide cross-section of teachers from state, private and international schools across Sri Lanka and the region.

This year’s theme, “Inclusive Classrooms: Teaching Every Child, Reaching Every Mind,” underscored the urgent need to adapt education to increasingly diverse classrooms, while highlighting innovation, empathy, and collaboration as central tools for teachers.

Global and Local Expertise

The event featured an impressive line up of keynote speakers. Dr. Alberto Luis August (University of Nottingham Malaysia) spoke on climate conscious, child centred approaches to inclusion, while Professor Gretchen Geng (Flinders University) showcased strategies for integrating digital play and XR technologies in early childhood learning. Psychologist Rasini Bandara drew attention to mental health in schools, urging teachers to build environments that support emotional safety and resilience. Kushil Gunasekera, founder of the Foundation of Goodness, reminded participants of the role of ethics, values and service in nurturing whole individuals, not just academically strong students.

Insightful Panel Discussion

Adding depth to the day’s conversations were a distinguished panel of local and regional leaders:

• Prof. Saumya Liyanage, scholar-practitioner and former Dean at the University of the Visual & Performing Arts, highlighted the power of performance, culture and embodied learning in building inclusive classrooms and bridging divides.
• Ms. Premila Paulraj, Director of Market Growth (South Asia) at Pearson, spoke on equity in education and how tailored solutions can create pathways for students from diverse backgrounds to access global opportunities.
• Mr. Sidath Wettimuny, former Sri Lankan cricketer turned education advocate, drew on his experiences in both sport and policy reform to emphasise the importance of accessible opportunities. He also stressed the need to give students freedom of choice in pursuing their career paths, encouraging teachers and parents to support individuality rather than imposing predefined routes.
• Ms. Thaji Dias, principal dancer and lead teacher at the Chitrasena Dance Company, illustrated how traditional and contemporary dance practices can foster discipline, creativity and inclusivity through the arts.

Flinders Master of Education Programme

A key highlight of IFT 2025 was the introduction to the Flinders University Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Sri Lanka, to be delivered exclusively through Gateway Graduate School. The Programme is designed to meet the growing demand for advanced professional development among educators.

The programme offers three specialist streams Student Inclusion, Leadership in Education, and Digital Innovation & Artificial Intelligence in Education allowing students to customise their learning journey. With international recognition, flexible delivery, and strong local support, the M.Ed. promises to set a new benchmark for postgraduate education in Sri Lanka.

Applications are now open for the February 2026 intake, with early bird bursaries available. Graduates will be equipped to pursue leadership, curriculum design, policy, and specialist inclusion roles, equipping them to influence education both locally and globally.

Details on can be obtained by calling Lakisha on 0779256356 or Indrika on 0772256356 or by writing to info@gatewaygraduateschool.com

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Inclusive Classrooms: Teaching Every Child, Reaching Every Mind

This year’s theme, “Inclusive Classrooms: Teaching Every Child, Reaching Every Mind,” seeks to explore how educators can create learning environments that support the full spectrum of learners regardless of background, ability, or circumstance through innovation, empathy, and collaboration.

Theme Overview:

Today’s classrooms are more diverse than ever, presenting both challenges and extraordinary opportunities. The 2025 Forum will delve into how we can:

• Foster inclusion in learning environments that celebrate diversity and ensure every child feels seen, heard, and valued.
• Empower educators to adapt pedagogy, curriculum, and classroom strategies to meet a broad range of learning needs.
• Leverage educational technology and AI to promote equity, personalization, and student engagement—without compromising human connection.
• Champion social-emotional well-being and holistic development as integral to academic success.

IFT remains a first-of-its-kind initiative, open to all teachers from state, private, and international schools across Sri Lanka and the region. The Forum is driven by a mission to nurture world-class educators through global partnerships and shared expertise. It provides a dynamic platform to engage in professional dialogue, exchange pedagogical insights, and reflect on the evolving needs of education in the 21st century.

This year’s Forum aims to spark fresh conversations and catalyze real-world change, helping educators create truly inclusive, student-centered classrooms.

Featured Speakers:

Dr. Alberto Luis August Assistant Professor & Director of Teaching & Learning, University of Nottingham Malaysia – A seasoned educator and educational leader, Dr. August brings a global perspective to inclusive practice, educational leadership, and climate-conscious, child-centered learning.

Professor Gretchen Geng, Deputy Dean (Education), Flinders University – A trailblazer in digital play and early childhood innovation, Professor Geng’s work empowers teachers with XR tools and Universal Design for Learning strategies to engage every child.

Ms. Rasini Bandara, Psychologist & International Well-being Consultant – An advocate for mental health in education, Rasini will focus on the importance of well-being in classrooms—supporting emotional regulation, safety, and resilience for all learners.

Mr. Kushil Gunasekera, Founder, Foundation of Goodness – Through his grassroots work uplifting rural communities, Kushil underscores the role of values, ethics, and service in holistic, inclusive education for national development.

Distinguished Panelists:

Prof. Saumya Liyanage, Scholar-Practitioner & Former Dean, University of the Visual & Performing Arts – A leading figure in performance studies, Prof. Liyanage connects embodied learning, cultural expression, and social reconciliation to inclusive educational spaces.

Ms. Premila Paulraj, Director – Market Growth (South Asia), Pearson – With a focus on equity and access to international education, Premila shares how localized solutions can open global pathways for learners of all backgrounds.

Mr. Sidath Wettimuny, Former Sri Lankan Cricketer & National Education Advocate – A champion of equitable access in sport and education, Sidath draws on leadership in policy reform and grassroots development to inspire inclusive practices at scale.

Thaji Dias, Principal Dancer & Lead Teacher, Chitrasena Dance Company – A celebrated force in classical dance, Thaji blends embodied tradition with contemporary expression, fostering inclusive learning through movement, discipline, and artistic heritage.

Details on registrations can be obtained by calling  Indrika on 0772256356 | 011 2888 288 or Lakisha on 0779256356 or by writing to info@ift.lk .

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