More than 400 international teachers from Catholic schools across Thailand joined a national online seminar on Nov. 7 to discuss peace education, artificial intelligence, and the role of educators in promoting human dignity.
The Catholic Education Council of Thailand (CECT), in collaboration with the Catholic School Teachers Association of Thailand (CSTAT), organized the half-day gathering under the theme “Drawing New Maps of Hope: Walking Together as Educators for Peace and Reconciliation.”
Participants represented more than 20 nationalities, including the Philippines, South Africa, the United States, Myanmar, the United Kingdom, Kenya, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Germany. Local Thai staff also joined the seminar.
The gathering sought to address language barriers that had prevented some foreign teachers and international school personnel from participating fully in discussions on the Church’s educational priorities.
Thai educators had previously studied Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic letter Drawing New Maps of Hope during the 55th CECT National Seminar in Khao Yai earlier this year.
Released in October 2025 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council’s declaration Gravissimum Educationis, the papal letter emphasizes education rooted in human dignity, faith and peace amid the growing influence of digital technology and economic pressures.
CSTAT President Dr. Sasikorn Suangburanakul, adviser Dr. Sakawrat Thammapik and Vice President Sorayot Panayangkul led the online gathering, which featured three keynote presentations on Catholic education, teachers’ well-being, and child-centered learning.
Redemptorist Fr. Jittapol Plangklang, provincial superior of the Redemptorists in Thailand and director of Ruamrudee International School, opened the seminar with a prayer before delivering the first keynote.
He emphasized the importance of integrating Gospel values into education and strengthening cooperation among families, schools and communities.
Addressing the growing use of artificial intelligence and digital tools in classrooms, the priest urged teachers to ensure that technology serves human development rather than determines the direction of education.
“Teachers are called to be ‘Lights of Hope’—educators ready to pass on kindness, inspiration, and empathy. Together, we nurture a new generation equipped with a resilient inner life, the capacity to use technology creatively, and the moral strength to become peacemakers in society,” said Fr. Jittapol.
Samagita Ratnaike, head of English at Mater Dei School in Bangkok, delivered the second keynote, titled “The Map Within Me: A Teacher’s Spiritual Journey – Let It Begin with Me.”
She discussed the importance of teachers’ mental, physical, and spiritual well-being, emphasizing that educators must also care for themselves to respond effectively to the needs of their students.
Ratnaike encouraged participants to practice acceptance, courage and discernment in their daily work.
“Self-care is not an act of selfishness; it is the essential foundation for caring for others,” she said.
“Teachers who possess a resilient inner life—filled with peace, kindness, and understanding—are far better equipped to radiate that love into their classrooms. Fostering peace in the world must begin with cultivating peace within oneself.”
The final keynote was delivered by Jensen Wongla, an English-speaking educator with more than three decades of experience in international schools in Thailand.
Wongla discussed child-centered teaching approaches and the importance of recognizing differences in how students learn.
She introduced the VARK learning model, which identifies visual, auditory, reading and writing, and kinesthetic learning preferences, while discussing how physical activity and classroom environments can affect learning.
Using the phrase “Body Move, Brain Groove,” Wongla emphasized the relationship between physical engagement and cognitive development.
She also cited a teaching principle attributed to educator Rita Dunn:
“If the child is not learning the way you are teaching, then you must teach in the way the child learns.”
The presentations emphasized the importance of listening to students, respecting individual differences and supporting their intellectual, emotional and spiritual development.
Speakers also highlighted the need to engage students through the head, heart and hands, combining academic learning, ethical formation and practical action.
Fr. Paul Eakarat Homprathum, secretary-general of the CECT, closed the seminar by thanking the speakers and participants.
He emphasized the importance of helping international teachers understand the Church’s teachings on education and technology while strengthening cooperation within Thailand’s Catholic school network.
The seminar highlighted the council’s efforts to involve both Thai and international educators in promoting peace, dialogue and reconciliation through Catholic education.
