There are moments that remind us why we support teacher training. The presentation of the book *Reflexiones Educativas* (Educational Reflections)—produced by the Juan Misael Saracho Higher School for Teacher Training (ESFM) in Tarija—was one such moment.
On September 5th, before an audience of students, faculty, and officials, I shared the results of a study conducted last year regarding the experiences of future teachers in schools. We found dedication, valuable learning experiences, and young people who, upon entering the classroom, begin to see themselves as educators. We also identified challenges requiring attention: how best to support them, how to allow them time to learn, and how to ensure their proposals have continuity.
I want to share something I found particularly valuable in this process: the willingness of the ESFM’s General Director, Juan Marcelo Serrano, and his team to take an honest look at what happens within their institution. Opening the door to research means accepting that uncomfortable findings may emerge. They took that step in order to improve, and such openness demonstrates a deep commitment to the quality of their students’ training.
It was also significant that the General Director of Teacher Training—an official from the Ministry of Education—valued the results presented. Having these findings heard at such a high level opens the door to discussing the changes and support needed for initial teacher training in Bolivia, which has been the focus of our work for the past four years.
This openness to dialogue gives meaning to the work we at Alma have been doing alongside the ESFM. We support their students in strengthening their research and community-based educational practice within the framework of the IEPC–PEC model. Through this process, they learn to investigate classroom dynamics and apply that knowledge to prepare and deliver better lessons for children and adolescents, fostering critical thinking. This work keeps alive the connection to the initiatives we launched over a decade ago in the classrooms of rural communities in Beni. Today, as we support those training to become teachers, we continue to place children and adolescents—and their learning opportunities—at the center.
By:Andrea Fernández
A packed auditorium at the Juan Misael Saracho ESFM for the book presentation
With the General Director of the Juan Misael Saracho ESFM and the General Director of Teacher Training from the Ministry of Education.
Presentation of certificates and books to the authors of the articles.