Scientists from the USA and Finland offer Estonian teachers new perspectives and knowledge about virtues and character

Interesting visiting scientists will give presentations on school educators’ moral professionalism, character education and servant leadership on the 9^th of December at the annual values education conference organized by the Centre for Ethics, University of Tartu (CEUT).

“We ask at the conference why should teachers pay attention to character education, how virtues develop, and what is the role of teachers and school leaders in creating the environment that supports the development of virtues and good character,” says Mari-Liis Nummert, project manager at the CEUT and the main organizer of the conference.

To give a broad insight into the topic, Dr. Eija Hanhimäki (University of Jyväskylä, Finland), Dr. Melinda Bier (Center for Character and Citizenship, USA) and Deborah Sanders O’Reilly (Center for Character and Citizenship, USA) are invited to give presentations at the conference “Practicing shapes the character”. There are also interesting talks from local presenters Prof. Margit Sutrop (Center for Ethics, University of Tartu), Siim Värv (Tartu Herbert Masing School), and Erli Aasamets (Kilingi-Nõmme Gymnasium).

The keynote speakers have diverse background and they will offer new ideas and tips to Estonian local audience to improve the educational field. Dr. Eija Hanhimäki’s research areas are educational leadership and leadership ethics, moral interaction in pedagogical relationships, values and ethics in teaching and guidance, and culture and view sensitive teaching and guidance. Dr Melinda Bier is an expert in the fields of character education, teacher preparation and professional development, and the design and use of instructional technology for enhanced teaching and learning. Deborah O’Reilly has vast knowledge on servant leadership.

The conference “Practicing shapes the character” will take place on the 9^th of December at Dorpat Conference Centre (Turu 2, Tartu).

In addition to presentations, CEUT will give recognition to schools who participated in this year’s programme “Good School as Values-based School” and applied for a good school quality badge. In addition, the rotating School of Value Award will be given to the “School of Values Education 2019”.

For more information, visit (in Estonian) http://www.eetika.ee/konverents2019

The conference and recognitions programme are funded by the National Programme “Values Development in Estonian Society 2009–2013” for the years 2015–2020, funded by the Ministry of Education and Research. The conference is supported by the British Council in Estonia.