Athens College Elementary School – Professional development for teachers of the English Department through Erasmus+ in Sweden
As part of the Erasmus+ mobility program, eight teachers from the English Department of Athens College Elementary School undertook a professional development visit to Stockholm and Uppsala, Sweden, from March 19 to 25, 2026. This initiative proved to be an exceptionally constructive experience, enhancing pedagogical training and expanding collaboration with European schools.
In Stockholm, participants visited the Stockholm International School, where they observed practical applications of the Primary Years Programme (PYP). The visit allowed teachers to learn about modern teaching methods that promote inquiry-based learning, transdisciplinary approaches, and active student participation.
In Uppsala, at the partner school Granbyskolan, teachers observed English classes and participated in a pilot implementation of teaching scenarios from the online guide for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, as part of the Greening our Curriculum, Greening our School program. This experience highlighted how education for sustainability can be effectively integrated into English language instruction, enhancing environmental awareness and interdisciplinary learning.
At the same time, teachers were briefed on the structure and operation of the Swedish education system, with a focus on practices that foster collaboration, critical thinking, and experiential learning across subject areas.
The mobility concluded with a working group meeting, where the program's next steps were determined, most notably the presentation of the guide at a conference to be held in Slovenia on May 30, 2026.
During the stay in Sweden, visits were also made to sites of educational and environmental interest, such as the Vasa Museum and Fotografiska, where sustainability practices are showcased, including the cultivation of agricultural products within the museum.
This initiative contributed significantly to the ongoing professional development of the participating teachers and reinforced our School’s commitment to modern, innovative, and sustainable educational practices.