Dr. Bert J. Tuga, PNU President, participated in the Global Academic Teacher Education (GATE) 2.0 held on May 31-June 7, 2023 in Leuven, Belgium. It is a gathering of educators from across the globe aimed at exploring and sharing emerging insights and knowledge regarding various contexts in teacher education.

The event’s agenda encompassed a range of topics including curriculum design, pedagogical strategies, technology integration, and teacher professional development. Participants engaged in critical dialogues where they examined the challenges and opportunities inherent in teacher education. The diversity of perspectives brought by educators from different corners of the world enriched the discussions, promoting cross-cultural understanding and fostering collaborative approaches.

President Tuga  presented the status of teacher education in the Philippines, highlighting six (6) major areas: (1) development and transformation of teacher education covering both pre-service and in-service with the inclusion of formal and alternative pathways; (2) legal mandates such as laws, standards, policies, and guidelines directing teacher education as well as the structures governing teacher education institutions; (3) licensure examination and quality assurance mechanisms; (4) teacher education curriculum with special focus on experiential learning and practicum and the medium of instruction used; (5) contextualization of learning philosophies and theories in teacher education; and (6) issues and challenges perennially confronting teacher education.

President Tuga also showcased PNU’s teacher education program, highlighting its unique features, good practices, and transformative impact on future educators. His participation in GATE 2.0 not only placed PNU on the global education map, but also facilitated valuable networking opportunities. The exchange of ideas with fellow academic teacher educators from various backgrounds will undoubtedly contribute to the continuous growth and enhancement of PNU’s teacher education program.

GATE 2.0 served as a platform for educators to engage in meaningful discussions, examine diverse perspectives, and delve into the realities of teacher education worldwide. This international assembly facilitated by experts from the Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven explored a wide array of approaches to enhance the quality of teacher education.

The event concluded with the signing of the Global Academic Teacher Education 2.0 Agreement, which outlines the role of quality education through research and teaching with focus on the training of pre-service teachers, as well as recognizing the impact of digitalization, diversity, and globalization on education.