Thursday, 9 October 2025, 5 PM IST
Webinar: Transforming Education through Teacher Empowerment
Empowering teachers is the key to transforming education. This webinar will explore how need-based professional development and teacher agency can enhance practice, build confidence, and drive meaningful change. By equipping teachers with both skills and autonomy, we can create inclusive, dynamic learning environments that benefit every learner.
Teacher empowerment is essential for transforming education systems and improving learner outcomes. This webinar will highlight the importance of empowering teachers through need-based professional development and cultivating teacher agency, particularly via action research. Tailored professional development ensures that teachers receive relevant support aligned with their specific classroom challenges, enabling them to enhance their practice effectively.
At the same time, teacher agency—the capacity to make informed decisions and lead change—is strengthened by engaging educators in action research, where they systematically inquire into their teaching, reflect on results, and innovate solutions. This dual approach not only boosts teachers’ confidence, motivation, and skills but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration within schools.
Empowered teachers, equipped with both the knowledge and the autonomy to act, become powerful drivers of inclusive, equitable, and dynamic learning environments. Investing in teacher empowerment is, therefore, the critical path towards achieving lasting educational transformation that benefits all learners.
Moderator
Saroj Thapa, Educationist & Research Specialist, Pallavan Learning Systems, India
Dr. Saroj Thapa is Programme Director at Pallavan Learning Systems, an education research and development organisation based in Delhi. With extensive international experience in teacher education, school leadership, and curriculum innovation, she has been deeply involved in the design and implementation of the Bhutan Baccalaureate learning process and in mentoring schools across South Asia. Her work focuses on empowering teachers, strengthening teaching and learning practices, building inclusive learning environments, and supporting school enrichment through research, training, and capacity building.
Panelist:
Abha Sharma, Principal (B.Ed.)/Nodal Officer (Research Cell), SCERT, India
Prof. Abha Sharma, Principal (B.Ed.) and Head of the Research Cell at SCERT, New Delhi, is a distinguished academic with over 24 years of experience in teacher education, academic leadership, and research. She serves as District Nodal Officer for Vidyanjali, MOE’s School Volunteer Programme, and for in-service teacher training in South East Delhi. Formerly Professor and Assistant Dean at GD Goenka University, she is an expert in teacher education, stress management, test and measurement, educational technology, and science education. A gold medallist in B.Ed. and M.Ed., and recipient of the UGC Junior Research Fellowship, she holds a PhD in Education alongside degrees in Chemistry and Management. With more than 50 publications, numerous keynote addresses, and contributions to national and international projects—including Erasmus+ RISHII and ICSSR research—she has also developed content for SWAYAMPRABHA and earned multiple awards such as the Inspirational Leadership Award (2021), Education Icon Award (2022), and recognition from the Early Childhood Association India (2024).
Panelist:
Pema Euden, Mathematics Domain Head & Research Specialist, The Royal Academy, Druk Gyalpo’s Institute, Bhutan
Ms Pema Euden is the Mathematics teacher at The Royal Academy, Druk Gyalpo’s Institute, Bhutan, where she leads academic initiatives and curriculum development in mathematics as the Domain Head. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Texas at El Paso, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Samtse College of Education, and a Master of Science in Statistics, Measurement, Assessment, Research, and Technology from the University of Pennsylvania. With her strong background in mathematics education and research, she brings international perspectives and deep expertise to advancing teaching, learning, and assessment practices at the Academy.
Panelist:
Anju Wal, Director of Education, Shiv Nadar Schools, India
Anju Wal is the Director of Education at Shiv Nadar Schools, where she leads the academic vision, curriculum design, and wholistic development initiatives across all campuses. With over three decades of experience in education, she is recognised as a visionary leader and a passionate advocate for progressive learning, institution-building, and forging strong partnerships that enrich the learning ecosystem. Prior to her current role, she served as the Founding Principal of Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad, for a decade, where she laid the foundation for a culture of excellence and wholistic growth. Under her leadership, the schools have embraced forward-looking educational practices that nurture curiosity, creativity, and character in learners.
Her contributions to education have been widely acknowledged, most recently through the Pearson International School Leader Award for the Asia Region (2024), affirming her reputation as a torchbearer of innovation and quality in education. Her enduring commitment, inspiring leadership, and transformative approach have left an indelible mark not only on the Shiv Nadar School community but also on the wider educational landscape in India.