FREDERICTON (GNB) – A three-day summit designed to encourage teachers, students, parents, early childhood educators, education and business stakeholders to reimagine education is underway in Fredericton.

“We are at a turning point in this province and we can no longer afford to lag behind or just keep pace with the rest of the world,” said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Dominic Cardy. “We need an education system that supports learners who are ready for the future to ensure their success long after graduation.”

Cross-sectorial sessions will take place on Oct. 16 and 17. Participants will hear from renowned speakers and researchers who will seek to inspire and energize participants. The presenters will share their experience and knowledge on how innovative classrooms can engage and position learners to contribute their best to society.

“We need to develop an education system that works for both students and educators,” said Cardy. “A world-class education is the key to setting our children up for success and preparing them for a bright future in New Brunswick. They must become critical thinkers and problem solvers. I look forward to the invigorating dialogue I know we will have over the next few days and am eager to learn about new educational approaches and ways of reimagining the education system.”

The summit features guest speakers including Marc Prensky, Tracey Burns and Kathleen Gallagher. Prensky, an award-winning speaker and author, will present on how educators can empower students to learn through community action. Burns, a senior analyst in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Centre for Educational Research and Innovation, will speak to trends that can help shape the future of education. Gallagher is the director of research and evaluation at the Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska. She will speak about maximizing early childhood education.

A full agenda, including more information on all the guest speakers, is available online.

The final day of the summit, Oct. 18, will feature separate anglophone and francophone sessions that focus upon discussions with stakeholders on how to move forward.

The summit is also intended to help strengthen community ties and connect with the business sector so that students can benefit from the expertise and relevant experiences of professionals in sectors such as the apprenticeable trades.

As outlined in the recently released paper, Succeeding at Home: A green paper on education in New Brunswick, the government plans to work with industry and the New Brunswick community colleges to develop learning partnerships and expand the availability of physical and virtual learning environments so that interested students can learn practical job skills. The paper outlines specific proposals for transforming the education system.

Summit participants were selected from several stakeholder groups including students, parents, teachers and other school personnel, early childhood education personnel, district education council members, First Nations representatives, community leaders and business stakeholders. A significant portion of participants include classroom teachers and principals from all school districts. Teacher associations will also be in attendance to bring a province-wide perspective.

The summit will support the 10-Year Education plans as they relate to the conditions for success in both linguistic sectors and will seek further feedback from stakeholders on ideas proposed in the green paper.

Building a world-class education system with progress regularly measured and reported on publicly, is one of the government’s top priorities. More details on the priorities is available online.