19 NOVEMBER2025W MAN LEADERGLOBAL W MAN LEADERGLOBAL With a rich academic background and international leadership experience, Shirley Mitchell serves as Director of John F Kennedy International School, championing holistic education through a blend of literary passion, psychological insight, and strategic vision shaped by an Executive MBA.Educational Qualification· BA English Literature and Language· BA Childhood & Youth Studies · PG Dip Educational Psychology · MBA Executive EducationAs students progress, we introduce inquiry-based learning and embed social-emotional development to build empathy, resilience, and self-awareness. Nature-based and outdoor experiences further support sensory growth and environmental awareness. Holistic learning is about observing and adapting, meeting each child where they are while nurturing their identity, independence, and love for learning.In your opinion, what are some of the most challenging aspects of being an educator today? How do you navigate through these roadblocks to create a stronger impact through your work?Many believe teaching has become harder today, but I think it has always been a demanding and highly skilled profession. What has changed is our increased awareness, particularly around Special Educational Needs (SEN) and parental involvement. Since COVID, parents have had greater insight into classrooms, leading to higher expectations, especially in the independent sector. The key challenge now is collaborating with families while maintaining clear boundaries. Another major shift is the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. I strongly support its integration for both teachers and students, as it can significantly reduce teacher workload and enhance student learning. The real challenge lies in ensuring AI is used responsibly, as a powerful supplement to human teaching, not a replacement for it.Reflecting on your professional journey, what significant milestones stand out, and what guiding principle defines your approach to success?One of the earliest recognitions I received was for creating a positive classroom ambiance. As a young teacher managing a particularly challenging class, this award significantly boosted my confidence. It taught me the importance of building strong relationships, which can either ease or complicate your professional journey. That was my first major lesson. My greatest milestone, however, has been watching my own child graduate from university. Despite building an international career across multiple countries and rising through leadership roles, nothing compares to that moment of pride. My success mantra is simple: you can have it all. I've often heard people say it's impossible to have everything, but I always ask, why not? Our only true limitations are the ones we set ourselves.How do you envision the future of early education in Switzerland, and which emerging trends do you believe will have the most significant impact?Early education in Switzerland is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by digital innovation, inclusivity, and policy reform. AI and digital tools are gaining ground, with personalized learning apps, intelligent language assistants, and VR/AR technologies enhancing engagement and tailored support. However, concerns remain over screen time and developmental impacts. Multilingual and inclusive classrooms are evolving, with around 60% of children under six coming from foreign-parent backgrounds. This shift, combined with AI-powered interpretation tools, is making education more accessible. Outdoor and sustainability education is also gaining prominence, with initiatives like SILVIVA promoting nature as a "third teacher" and integrating environmental literacy into daily learning. On the policy front, Switzerland has introduced a CHF 200 million childcare allowance to ease access and affordability. The 2025­28 ERI Dispatch allocates CHF 29.2 billion to foster digitalisation, inclusion, sustainability, and lifelong learning. Coupled with PISA 2025's focus on digital literacy, these measures are set to reshape early education, making it more responsive, equitable, and future-ready.
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