“We’re seeing rising loneliness globally. Young people are less confident in building relationships and managing conflict,” she explains. “If we want engaged learners and active citizens, we must teach connection before the curriculum.” REBUILDING TRUST AND RESPECT FOR EDUCATORS Perhaps most importantly,APPA is working to restore public trust and respect for the teaching profession. “Educators are credentialed experts in child development,” Falkenberg says. “Yet the public narrative often frames teachers and principals as lacking. That’s not only inaccurate — it’s damaging.” For Falkenberg, re-establishing professional respect is essential to attracting and retaining the next generation of educators. “Teachers join the profession because they want to make a difference,” she says. “But goodwill alone isn’t sustainable. We need to value their expertise, resource their work, and let them do what they do best — shape minds and change lives.” A CALL TO COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY As APPA marks its fifth decade, its message is one of unity — across sectors, systems, and society. The challenges are complex, but the purpose is clear: every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, not in spite of their circumstances, but because of how communities and systems respond to them. “We can’t keep asking schools to solve everything alone,” Falkenberg concludes. “Education is everyone’s business. When we elevate educators, support families, and work together, we build the kind of future every child deserves.” 46 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 07, ISSUE 10
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