Theme: Hacking Transformation: Step 1 - Education

Contemporary educational landscapes are swiftly evolving, driven by factors such as digitalization, globalization, and shifting workforce requirements. However, education as a concept and a holistic approach bringing out solutions stays as much in demand as ever.

This demand prompts one to reevaluate the authentic essence of education, delving into its essential, albeit less obvious layers. It is through this reevaluation that education has validated its position as the foundational bedrock of each and every profound change and innovation. True observation can confirm that at the core of this transformative perspective lies the recognition that true growth encompasses not only cognitive and physical dimensions but also the profound depths of the human spirit. It beckons us to embrace the interconnectedness of all life, cultivating a sense of unity that transcends the boundaries of traditional educational silos.

Education assumes a paramount role in facilitating individuals' capacity to not only welcome change but also instigate transformative shifts, both on a personal and societal scale. This is where it acts as a lever capable of translating human capital into knowledge, into technical ability or a soul nurturing empathy.

This new lens encourages a reevaluation of the purpose and meaning of education, shifting the focus from rote knowledge accumulation to the nurturing of compassionate, empathetic individuals who are deeply attuned to their inner selves and the world around them.

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Alexander Plato Hakobyan

Managing Director of Systems Innovation at “Teach For Armenia” Foundation

Having been a communications expert, an author, singer, TV host and a marketing manager, Alexander Plato Hakobyan had an interesting career span that has landed him in the role of the Managing Director of Systems Innovation at the "Teach For Armenia" foundation. His professional pursuits allowed Alexander to author two thought-provoking courses, "Career Psychology and Professional Self-determination" and "Information Impact Psychology" at Yerevan State University. Having pursued studies in philosophy and psychology at Yerevan State University and Charles University in Prague, Alexander effortlessly blended his expertise in communications, academic world, and the arts into a rich fabric of personal and professional achievements.

Anush Aleksanyan

Founding Director of “Erkusov” Psychological Center

Anush Aleksanyan is an experienced psychologist with more than 18 years of background in child and adult therapy. Holding an MA in Psychology from YSU, she's an internationally certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapist. Since 2008, Anush has widely used her expertise in education, healthy lifestyles and school psychology. She is the author of numerous scholarly articles, and has edited college course books, and developed training materials on non-violent parenting for UNFPA, World Vision and PH International. Anush is also a member of the International Peace Education Group. Founding Director of “Erkusov” psychological center for over a decade, Anush provides mental health services for adults, children, couples and families. She's also a Board Member of the Armenian Mental Health Association. Anush Aleksanyan is not just a therapist but a catalyst for positive change, promoting mental well-being and education with unwavering dedication.

Ashot Voskanyan

Founder and President of Armenian Research Center in Humanities

With a PhD in Philosophy Ashot Voskanyan serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the American University of Armenia and the Russian-Armenian University. His areas of expertise span the methodology of social sciences, hermeneutics, theories of rationality and social modernization, and issues related to national identity. Mr. Voskanyan is the Founder and President of the Armenian Research Center in Humanities since 1993. Throughout his career, he served as an Ambassador of Armenia to Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Slovak Republic, as well as Permanent Representative of RA to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and UN Organizations in Vienna. Being the author of several publications and monographs in multiple languages, Mr. Voskanyan has employed his extensive experience in the academic sphere, politics, and diplomacy which has resulted in having significant impact on various fields.

Hasmik Kyureghyan

Co-Founder and Executive Director of Paradigma Educational Foundation in Armenia

Meet Hasmik Kyureghyan - the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Paradigma Educational Foundation in Armenia. With a PhD from the London Institute of Education, she has over 15 years of experience as an education researcher and consultant. Starting as a teacher, she then got involved in different research programs, eventually managing the research work of the comprehensive analysis of teachers' management system in Armenia. A reviewer for scientific articles in the European Conference on Educational Research, Hasmik has recently published an article on examining teacher learning experiences and key components of professional development programs in the International Journal of Teacher Development. Hasmik's primary research interests revolve around professional development and learning for teachers, which reflects her unwavering dedication to advancing the field of education.

Misha Tadevosyan

Lecturer at ASPU & Learning Programs Manager at TUMO Academy

Misha Tadevosyan is a passionate education expert with a PhD in pedagogy. Starting in the field of education in penitentiary institutions, where he shared knowledge with offenders and inmates, Mr. Tadevosyan successfully defended a Ph.D. thesis in adult education, with a specific emphasis on prison education. Presently, Misha serves as the Learning Programs Manager at TUMO Academy, bridging the gap between education and technology. While his career has spanned governmental, non-governmental, and international sectors, his ties with the academy remained strong as ever. He generously shares his wealth of knowledge with aspiring and practicing educators at the Armenian State Pedagogical University, contributing to the shaping of education's future in Armenia. An active member of various local and international professional organizations, Misha stays dedicated to collaborative efforts in advancing education on a global scale.

Nina Shahverdyan

Teach for Armenia Alumni & Storyteller

Nina Shahverdyan is a young education enthusiast from Stepanakert, Artsakh. After graduating from AUA, where she studied Communications, she pursued her career in education and joined Teach for Armenia to work with children from underprivileged areas. During her two years, Nina has worked in two bordering villages, where she has understood the great importance of flexibility in education and enacting leadership in the educational process. She has been involved in various non-governmental educational projects ever since and is now focused on establishing her own NGO that will work with forcefully displaced children from Artsakh. Besides education, Nina is very interested in storytelling and uses her social media to share with people different stories and tales from Artsakh and beyond.

Vahe Hovsepyan

Regional Manager at Teach for Armenia

Vahe Hovsepyan was born and raised in the city of Hrazdan. He graduated from the Yerevan State University, earning a degree in history. During his student years, Vahe explored various fields in short-term roles, gaining valuable experiences along the way. The foundation of his career was laid when he participated in the two-year program of the Teach for Armenia educational foundation. During this period, he worked as a teacher at the Tsmakahogh community school in Artsakh. Currently, Vahe works as the Regional Manager at Teach for Armenia and organizes the placement process for new teachers. Outside of work, Vahe has a passion for drawing, even though it has been a while since he last picked up a pencil. Additionally, he enjoys working with electricity during his spare time.