A growing body of research shows that creating inclusive and differentiated learning environments can offer significant benefits for schools, including improving young peoples’ social and emotional skills, academic outcomes, and preparing them for the workforce.
One initiative that has proven effective in benefitting young people in this way is the International Baccalaureate (IB), founded in 1968 in Geneva.
The IB has been described as a program to achieve the “intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills needed to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalising world” and is designed for students who have “excellent breadth and depth of knowledge”.
The first IB School launched in Australia in 1978 and has seen a steady uptake as the benefits to teaching and learning become clear.
In October, the IB launched its first-ever Community Inspiration Award at the IB Global Conference in The Hague, recognising individuals worldwide who’ve made an outstanding impact in advancing its mission.
Starting in 2026, three exceptional recipients will be recognised each year – one representing each of the IB’s global regions: Asia-Pacific (APAC), the Americas, and Africa, Europe and the Middle East (EMEA).
A global stage for local heroes
June Evans-Caulfield, IB World School Senior Manager for Australasia, said the Community Inspiration Award is an exciting opportunity to celebrate individuals who bring the IB mission to life in Australia and beyond.
“Across IB schools, educators and leaders are preparing globally minded learners for the challenges of a rapidly changing world,” Evans-Caulfield told The Educator. “This award recognises those who use their voice to go above and beyond – fostering intercultural understanding and driving innovation, to impact learners everyday.”
Evans-Caulfield said Australian IB educators play a vital role in ensuring young learners develop creative and critical thinking skills, adaptability and a strong sense of shared humanity.
“These competencies are essential not only for academic success but to thrive in life beyond the classroom,” she said.
“By honouring community leaders’ outstanding contributions, the IB aims to inspire others to action and celebrate the values that make an IB education so distinctive. We look forward to reviewing nominations and selecting winners who exemplify the open-mindedness, care and compassion we strive for at the IB.”
Nominations for the 2026 awards are now open until 14 November 2025. Eligible nominees include individuals from the IB community of candidates and World Schools – such as students, alumni, parents, educators, and administrators – or anyone with direct ties to an IB school, association, network or system.
Four pillars of inspiration
Nominees will be evaluated by a judging committee based on four criteria that reflect the spirit of the IB:
• Use of Voice – How the nominee uses their voice effectively – whether locally, nationally, or globally – to support the IB’s mission and advocate for “more IB”.
• Impact – How the nominee’s role and contributions demonstrate sustained impact reflective of IB community values.
• Innovation – How the nominee takes risks and overcomes obstacles to drive innovation, in line with the IB learner profile.
• Shared Humanity – How the nominee exemplifies the qualities of being human, such as care, compassion and open-mindedness.
Award recipients will be honoured at IB Global Conferences within their respective regions. The Asia-Pacific awardee will be announced at the Asia-Pacific IB Global Conference in March 2026.