Have you ever wondered what motivates educators who seem to have that special, dare we say, secret ingredient mixed into their teaching repertoire? Curiosity drove OneSchool Global’s friendly competition at the Second Annual Festival of Education in Potamic, Maryland (North America), to see what the attendees thought.
What was in it for OneSchool? Insight and engagement. What was in it for the participants? A chance to win a visit to one of our thirty-six campuses across North America!
The submissions were thought-provoking, but one stood out.
Fast forward a few months and the secret ingredient contest winner, Lauren Walton, was warmly welcomed by our Hamilton Campus in Canada, for an interactive tour guided by the Student Leadership Team, and our Campus Principal, Karen Lake.
“This opportunity allowed the campus to showcase the live application of the Learning to Learn Framework and the amazing opportunities that technology awards students and staff across OSG, connecting us globally. Students showed a lot of joy when speaking about their learning journey along with the excitement in having our Regional Director of Education, Mr. Borys, present. It is always inspiring for both staff and students when OSG leaders take the time to visit the campus and not only develop strong relationships with all stakeholders, but really listen to feedback about how we can continue to improve and grow as an organisation,” Ms. Lake shared.
Joining OSG’s daily morning announcements held across North America and a history class over Zoom, also provided a true glimpse at how OneSchool keeps everyone connected.
That’s what happened and here’s what our visitor thought:
“As a seasoned educator with a rich background in everything from ESL to Learning Specialist roles, I’m always on the lookout for schools that are pushing the boundaries of how we think about teaching and learning. Having spent years in different parts of the world, from Greece to South Korea to the United States, I’ve seen various educational models, but OneSchool Global really caught my attention for its innovative integration of technology and self-directed learning.
It was exciting to see how OneSchool Global’s blend of online learning and active, inquiry-based methods supports their students in such a dynamic way.
The campus itself exuded an atmosphere of friendly professionalism and collaboration. Staff members were deeply engaged and passionate about their roles, while students were articulate and clearly bought into the mission of the school. It was like a well-oiled machine, with students moving freely between tasks —whether academic or social — using their independence to guide their own learning.
OSG really does seem in a lot of ways like a school of the future. One feature I found particularly innovative was the school’s use of Zoom rooms for lessons, which made online learning feel as interactive and connected as face-to-face experiences. The flexible structure of the day allowed students to work in environments that suited their needs, from quiet individual spaces to more interactive group areas. This approach, which combined the best of both independent and collaborative work, was a refreshing take on the traditional school setting.
What truly stands out about OneSchool Global is its commitment to inclusivity and equity. It was evident that students were supported through tailored learning experiences. The school’s accessibility, particularly through its tutorial system and sensory spaces, ensures that all students have the opportunity to thrive.
The ability to schedule more tutorial sessions and access spaces like the sensory room also addresses the needs of students who learn differently. This commitment to fostering an environment that blends flexibility, creativity, and support for all learners is a great way to empower learners. I’m excited to take back some of these ideas to my own work and look forward to seeing how OneSchool continues to grow.”
Lauren Walton
Wondering what a winning secret ingredient to joyful teaching might sound like? According to our contest winner, it’s “personal wellbeing springing from self-awareness and an orientation toward perpetual learning; this allows teachers to adapt to new environments, new students, a new world driven by innovations, and still maintain an inner compass that always points true North.”
What’s your secret ingredient? We’d love to hear from you!
Interested in learning more about OneSchool Global or connecting with a campus near you? Visit our employment pages today!