TEPE Conference 2025: Building Bridges Between Education, Society and Policy

From May 21 to 23, Viaa University of Applied Sciences proudly hosted the international TEPE Conference. Researchers, policy makers, and teacher educators from across Europe came together around one central question: how can teachers (and teacher education) build bridges between education, society, and policy?

The power of a metaphor
In her welcome address, Gerdien Groen, member of the Executive Board of Viaa, introduced participants to a powerful metaphor: the red Hanze Bridge — featured in the conference image and, for many, the literal gateway into Zwolle.

“The bridge is named after the Hanseatic League: a network of cities that once thrived through collaboration and shared purpose. Like teachers and teacher educators, the bridge connected people, places and perspectives. But history also teaches us this: connection is fragile. Without shared goals and mutual commitment, even the strongest bridge can fall apart.”

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A conference that resonates
The opening keynote by Professor Kathleen Lynch set the tone for the days ahead: a sharp critique of the dominant, performance-driven model of education, and a compelling call for a system built on care, connection, and justice.
In her words:

“We must move beyond individualism and neoliberalism — education is a collective responsibility, rooted in care and justice.”

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Zwolle as a living example
Michiel van Willigen, Alderman for Youth in the City of Zwolle, illustrated how local government and schools work together to strengthen the development of children and young people. Through initiatives such as school-based support teams, the THINK programme, and the Campus for Child & Education, Zwolle shows what it looks like when vision and collaboration meet practice.

Dialogue across practice, policy and research
What made this conference truly special was the richness and depth of the conversations. From research into education systems in Kosovo, to an inspiring panel discussion on alternative learning pathways in Dutch secondary education. The Irish framework for educational leadership also sparked reflection: what values do we truly want to see in students, teachers, and school leaders?

A sense of belonging
The common thread running through many sessions: education carries a social mission. In a time of polarisation, performance pressure and systemic thinking, this calls for courage, vision and collaboration.
As one participant aptly put it:

“The key lies in connection.”

We look back on a meaningful and thought-provoking conference that calls for follow-up. Because building bridges isn’t a solo task — it takes a collective movement.