SSAT Summer Series – Why Change is Needed Now

In 2013, SSAT CEO Sue Williamson wrote the pamphlet “Why Change is Needed” to spark discussions and innovation within the education profession. It encouraged educators worldwide to explore reasons for change and confront challenges facing our systems.

Since then, education has undergone a significant transformation. While some changes have been imposed upon schools, others have emerged through fruitful collaborations, demonstrating the potential of a school-led system. Now, years after the pamphlet’s inception, we find ourselves at a critical juncture, focusing on the urgency of change for the betterment of our children’s future.

Educators across all school phases and contexts are well aware of the daily issues impacting school communities, a spotlight further intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. This crisis underscored the reasons why change is imperative now and provided momentum to the actions taken in schools.

Recent challenges prompted deep reflection, questioning, and a search for innovative practices to address national and global education issues. These include sustaining the moral imperative, reforming accountability measures, designing curricula, closing learning gaps, promoting equality and inclusion, and fostering collaboration.

During the 2021 SSAT Summer Series, school leaders united to share knowledge and seek sustainable solutions, celebrating frontline educators’ achievements. The pamphlet captures key ideas from these sessions, featuring insights from inspirational school leaders and experts from diverse fields.

While the pamphlet provides a glimpse of their wisdom, it encourages readers to watch the full recordings of the sessions for deeper understanding. The included questions and activities are designed to support meaningful discussions and actions as educators contemplate the urgency of change in the present moment. Let us collectively embark on this journey to transform education for the better, guided by the welfare and growth of our future generations.