Thank you for joining us at IB Global Conference, New Orleans 2025!
Thank you to all who attended the International Baccalaureate (IB) Global Conference in New Orleans, held in July 2025. Your passion and commitment to education were the pillars of our journey towards inspiring learners and realizing potential.
Over 1,500 attendees from 31 countries gathered in New Orleans, united by our 2025 theme, Our Humanity, Connected. Together, they engaged in meaningful discussions, sharing perspectives and building connections.
Day 1 highlights
The conference opened with an “Eco Art Extravaganza” by the students from Hammond Eastside Middle Magnet School.
Our keynote, Dr. Pedro Noguera, Dean of the Rossier School of Education, at University of Southern California, spoke about the “crisis of connection” facing the world today and the role education can play in bridging divides, fostering empathy, and strengthening our shared humanity. He highlighted the importance of looking beyond national, cultural, racial, and linguistic boundaries to recognize our common interests and work together to address global challenges. Through education, educators can help students develop a greater understanding of others and recognize their role in shaping a more connected and collective future.
We remember his words, “All around the country, and the world, people are reimagining what it means to live, learn and lead in ways that prioritize connection. They’re building schools, workplaces and communities rooted not just in achievement, or performance, but in belonging, relationship and care.”
Watch highlights from Day 1 below
Day 2 highlights
Day two began with a moving violin performance by Anna Johnson, student from Hammond High Magnet School.
Jasmine “Jaz” Burton, our Community Voice, followed with her remarks. A social impact entrepreneur and design strategist from Atlanta, Jaz is dedicated to advancing educational innovation, amplifying learner voice, and creating more inclusive futures through community-driven solutions.
Our day two keynote, Dr. Ulcca Hansen, presented “The Future of Smart: Restoring Balance in How We Know and Learn,” exploring the importance of balancing analytical thinking and technological progress with relational understanding and human connection. Drawing on neuroscience, developmental research, and diverse cultural perspectives, she challenged educators to recognize the value of different ways of knowing and learning to better prepare students to navigate complex challenges and contribute to a rapidly changing world.
Day 3 highlights
To kick off our final day, students from Hammond Eastside Magnet Upper School returned to the general session for one last performance, showcasing their dance talents. We are grateful to these wonderful IB students for sharing their creativity and passion with our conference attendees.
Our final keynote, Dr. Gloria Mark, Chancellor’s Professor Emerita in the Department of Informatics at the University of California, Irvine, explored the challenges of maintaining attention in the digital age. Drawing on more than two decades of research, she examined how technology, distractions, and multitasking affect our focus, stress, and productivity. Dr. Mark also shared strategies for managing attention more intentionally, promoting wellbeing, and creating a healthier balance between technology use and meaningful work.
Watch highlights from Days 2 and 3 below.
Breakout sessions
In addition to the general sessions, attendees engaged in over 100 breakout sessions organized into four distinct tracks: educational technology and innovation, belonging and well-being, learning and teaching, and leadership. See below for some session highlights!
Illuminating ideas: Making thinking visible using approaches to teaching: presented by Aidan Blackwell and Lindsay Trinrud – in this session, attendees learned practical strategies to make student thinking visible and strengthen conceptual understanding. Through interactive examples and hands-on activities, attendees explored how to integrate IB approaches to teaching and the IB learner profile into their classrooms to foster inquiry, reflection, and critical thinking.
Beyond the rubric: Empowering MYP learners through authentic assessment: presented by Elizabeth de Castro Vils – attendees explored practical strategies for designing authentic, performance-based assessments aligned with the MYP’s holistic approach to learning. Through real-world examples, they learned how to create engaging assessments that promote inquiry, critical thinking, and creativity, develop clear and effective rubrics, and empower students to reflect on their learning and set goals for future growth.
Empowering aspiring teacher leaders: A humanizing framework for pedagogical growth in schools: presented by Careene McCallum – in this session, attendees explored a framework for transforming traditional staff meetings into inclusive, collaborative professional learning experiences. Drawing on an initiative at Hillel Academy in Jamaica, they learned how aspiring teacher leaders can strengthen relationships, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and support meaningful improvements in teaching practices. The session also shared practical strategies for fostering individual and school-wide growth through shared accountability and a common purpose.
Thank you!
We extend our sincerest gratitude to all educators, speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors who contributed to the success of the IB Global Conference, New Orleans. Your dedication and enthusiasm made this event a memorable and impactful experience.
Attendees can login to the conference app to download session slides that have been shared by presenters.
We look forward to seeing you at the IB Global Conference, Denver 2026! Stay connected and relive your favorite moments from the conference on social media with #IBGC2025.
