More than 70 research papers have been submitted for the eighth International Teachers' Conference, with the National Institute of Education (NIE) preparing to accommodate 250 participants.
NIE organises the conference to foster a culture of research among teachers and professionals working in the education sector. This year's conference will run under the theme, “Reimagine, Rethink, Reform – Advancing Innovation for an Equitable and Resilient Future.”
Speaking on PSM News' Raajje Miadhu programme, NIE Senior Curriculum Development Analyst and Conference Coordinator Shuhudha Rizwan said the international conference gives education professionals an opportunity to discuss challenges they face, consider ways to address them and exchange ideas on how to further improve teaching.
The strong response is reflected in the number of research papers submitted for this year's conference. Shuhudha said NIE initially accepted papers until the end of July, with around 70 submissions received during the period.
Following requests from a large number of people, NIE extended the deadline for paper submissions by two weeks. Shuhudha said papers had been submitted from many parts of the Maldives, with strong support for participation in the conference from across the country.
Many teachers have conducted their own research and submitted papers to take part in the conference. Shuhudha said teachers develop concepts and plan how to implement them in schools before bringing them forward, describing this year as the most successful in this regard.
Interest has extended beyond research paper submissions. NIE said applications to attend the eighth International Teachers' Conference have exceeded the allocated capacity.
The conference programme will place a particular focus on inclusive education on its second day. Director General of the Department of Inclusive Education Aadhila Rushdy said the programme will feature a keynote address and panel discussion, alongside the sharing of best practices in inclusive education.
Aadhila said the conference will give teachers an opportunity to share different techniques they use in classrooms with other teachers. It will similarly provide an opportunity for schools to share approaches they are implementing with other schools.
The conference is open to teachers from the Maldives and abroad, school leaders and other professionals working in the education sector. Registration will close on 29 September 2026.
The conference will cover a range of topics related to teaching in ways that include all children, as well as methods of making learning more engaging for students. It will examine considerations surrounding the use of modern technology in teaching and highlight contemporary areas of education such as coding and robotics.
NIE will hold this year's conference on 12 and 13 October 2026 at Shaheed Ali School in Hulhumalé Phase II.