By leveraging digital innovation, mobility, and cross-border collaboration, the STA project equips teachers and trainers with the skills necessary for 21st-century education.

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Advancing Teacher Education through European Partnerships and Digital Credentialing

Purpose

To develop and test effective, accessible, and transferable strategies and programmes for professional learning in teacher education.


About STA - Skillman Teacher Academy

The Skillman Teacher Academy (STA) 2026-29 invites educational institutions, policymakers, and training organisations to become partners in this ambitious initiative under the Erasmus+ Teacher Academies framework.

The project aims to revolutionise teacher education and training across Europe by integrating:

Digital credentials and blockchain-based micro-credentials (EBSI, dqf.eu)

Competency-based curricula  aligned with ESCO, EQF, and the European Learning Model (ELM)

International mobility schemes  to enhance transnational collaboration in teacher training

Background and Rationale

The Skillman Teacher Academy (STA) is developed in alignment with the Erasmus+ Teacher Academies initiative of the European Commission, aiming to:

๐Ÿ”น Strengthen European cooperation in teacher education and training

๐Ÿ”น Foster innovation, digital transformation, and mobility

๐Ÿ”น Address challenges such as limited access to mobility, insufficient digital skills, and outdated pedagogical approaches

The Skillman Network, with its long-standing expertise in education and training, is committed to:

๐Ÿ“Œ Capacity-building for teacher education institutions and policymakers

๐Ÿ“Œ Offering advanced training opportunities to teachers and trainers

๐Ÿ“Œ Developing a โ€˜pool of excellenceโ€™ to enhance teacher training across Europe

The consortium will implement training programmes and capacity-building actions for teachers, policymakers, and institutions, extending activities to associated partners to ensure a wider impact on teacher education across Europe.


Who We Are Looking For

We invite institutions that align with the projectโ€™s vision and strategic goals, including:

๐Ÿซ Teacher Education Institutions (colleges, institutes, universities) providing initial teacher education and/or continuing professional development (CPD) for teachers at ISCED levels 0-3, including VET teachers

๐Ÿ› Ministries or public bodies responsible for education policies

๐Ÿ“š Public or private bodies defining standards for teacher qualifications

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ Teacher associations or national-level providers of teacher training and CPD

๐ŸŽ“ Authorities responsible for teacher education and supervision of qualifications

๐Ÿซ Schools partnering with teacher training institutions to provide practical training

๐Ÿ”น Other ECEC organisations, primary schools, initial VET providers, NGOs, and teacher associations


Potential Goals for Partners

Each partner is invited to select their goals based on their interests and capacities:

1. Enhancing Teacher Training with Digital Credentials

๐Ÿ”น Implement blockchain-based micro-credentials for teacher education (EBSI, dqf.eu)

๐Ÿ”น Train teachers on digital badges, ESCO, EQF, and competency-based curriculum design

๐Ÿ”น Support the adoption of the European Learning Model (ELM) frameworks for skills certification


2. Participating in the Development of Joint International Curricula

๐Ÿ”น Collaborate in curriculum design and piloting

๐Ÿ”น Implement teacher training modules on assessment, curriculum innovation, and digital learning tools

๐Ÿ”น Support the development of digital learning solutions for teacher education


3. Contributing to Teacher Mobility and Exchange Programmes

๐Ÿ”น Participate in mobility schemes (physical & virtual exchanges)

๐Ÿ”น Host teacher trainers and staff for peer learning and knowledge exchange

๐Ÿ”น Facilitate at least 120 mobility experiences for teachers/trainers across the network


4. Strengthening the European Teacher Education Ecosystem

๐Ÿ”น Join the Skillman Teacher Academy to establish a European-wide model for teacher education transformation

๐Ÿ”น Connect with 100+ teacher training institutions across Europe

๐Ÿ”น Contribute to policy integration at national and EU levels


5. Promoting Policy Innovation and Dissemination of Best Practices

๐Ÿ”น Organise and participate in policy roundtables with ministries, teacher associations, and EU institutions

๐Ÿ”น Contribute to STA annual conferences and the Skillman International Forum

๐Ÿ”น Engage in Skillman Peer Learning Clubs, webinars, and training events


6. Advancing Inclusion, Well-being, and Sustainability in Teacher Education

๐Ÿ”น Train teachers on inclusive education, equity, and well-being

๐Ÿ”น Implement well-being programmes for educators and learners

๐Ÿ”น Develop teacher training modules on climate change, green skills, and sustainability

IN FOCUS

 
 

Ivana Popovska, Advisor for EU Affairs in the Cabinet of the Minister of Education and Science of North Macedonia, delivered the closing remarks at the Skillman Alliance Summit 2025 in Ancona.

Speaking in her capacity as representative of the EUSAIR Presidency 2025, she endorsed the Skillman Teacher Academy as a strategic platform fully aligned with the priorities of the Adriatic-Ionian macro-regional strategy.

In her statement, she emphasised North Macedonia's full political commitment to supporting regional cooperation in education and highlighted the Academy as a key enabler of systemic innovation in VET, dual education, and digital credentialing. The EUSAIR Presidencyโ€™s recognition of the STA as a driver of structural reform marks a significant step towards its wider adoption across national teacher education systems.

How to Apply๐Ÿ“Œ 

๐Ÿ“Œ Interested organisations should fill out the online application form, specifying their areas of interest and expected contributions.


The application should include:

โœ” A short description of the institution

โœ” Areas of expertise and interest in teacher education

โœ” Expected contributions or benefits from participation


๐Ÿ“ฉ STA looks forward to welcoming new partners to co-create a future-ready teacher education system in Europe!


If you would like to participate in this groundbreaking initiative,

๐Ÿ‘‰ CLICK HERE to submit your application!