Teachers' Two-day Conference: "Today's Adolescents, Today's School: Understanding Challenges – Building Shared Practices"
On Thursday and Friday, September 3 and 4, 2026, the two-day conference "Today's Adolescents, Today's School: Understanding Challenges – Building Shared Practices" was held for teachers from Athens College and Psychico College Junior High Schools and High Schools. The event was organized by the President's Office and the Psychoeducational Department of Athens College.
Opening addresses were delivered by Dionysios Anastasopoulos, Deputy Regional Director of the Primary and Secondary Education of Attica; Professor Spiros N. Pollalis, Athens College President; and Alexia-Gavriella Kazakakou, Psychologist and Interschool Coordinator of the Psychoeducational Department of Athens College.
On the first day of the conference, distinguished experts presented current data and approaches relating to adolescent mental health, dependent behaviors, the digital environment, developmental and neurodevelopmental challenges, psychological resilience, and well-being. Particular emphasis was placed on student-educator relationships, the boundaries of the teacher's role, and the importance of a supportive school environment.
The second day adopted a highly participatory format. Through structured workshops coordinated by members of the Psychoeducational Department, teachers were invited to share their experiences, identify the shifts and challenges they observe in everyday school life, discuss emerging needs related to their role, and develop concrete proposals. The workshop groups then came together to identify common themes, diverse perspectives, and core priorities, before presenting their conclusions to fellow teachers and members of the school administration in the Theater.
By highlighting the importance of connecting scientific insight with educational practice, the conference provided a valuable opportunity for meaningful reflection and dialogue on the needs of today's adolescents and the challenges faced within the school environment.