Symposia

Global Cities Education Network (GCEN) members gather annually for a dynamic, three-day learning experience that includes school site visits, collaborative exchanges, and presentations from experts, with a focus on issues identified by the cities and facilitated by those on the cutting edge of practice and policy. Seven symposia have been held: Hong Kong in May 2012, Seattle in January 2013, Singapore in October 2013, Toronto in October 2014, Shanghai in November 2015, London in November 2016, and Denver in November 2017.

• Surrey Symposium, April 2021
• Melbourne Symposium, March 2019
• Denver Symposium, November 2017
• London Symposium, November 2016
• Shanghai Symposium, November 2015
• Toronto Symposium, October 2014
• Singapore Symposium, October 2013
• Seattle Symposium, January 2013
• Hong Kong Symposium, May 2012

Working Groups

In between meetings and building off the cities agreed-upon areas of focus, the network has engaged in studies and formed working groups. Past topics include:

1. Developing and sustaining a high-quality teaching force;
2. Career and technical education (CTE/VET); and
3. Developing 21st century competencies.

Started in 2014, the working groups utilize Asia Society-created case studies and background materials to participate in expert-led workshops. Within these working groups, cities will strive to collaboratively transform best practice discussion into policy and practice change. Currently, there is one working group on Social Emotional Learning and Learning Differences, which began in January of 2021.

Developing and Sustaining a High-Quality Teaching Force

• 2015: Palo Alto
• 2014: Shanghai

Career and Technical Education

• 2015: Zürich
• 2014: Melbourne

Developing 21st Century Competencies

• 2015: Shanghai