On Sunday, July 14, 2024, at 9:30 AM, Khon Kaen Mayor Teerasak Theekhayuphan presided over the opening ceremony of the 2024 Municipal Teacher and Educational Personnel Training Program at Chareon Thani Hotel, Khon Kaen. The event was attended by: - Dr. Komen Kantawathira, Deputy Mayor - Mayor’s Secretaries: Sompop Wongko, Nattakorn Srinawakul, Tossaporn Piyapitakpong - Honorary Advisors to the Mayor: Wisanu Akarawimut, Thana-at Thanasukijset - Mrs. Krisana Saensaad, Deputy Municipal Clerk - Mr. Arthit Kaewmanee, Director of the Education Office - Ms. Patcharamon Nilklang, Director of Educational Administration - Mr. Saran Paonariang, Director of Educational Promotion - School Directors from all 11 municipal schools - 600 municipal teachers and educational personnel The program was introduced by Mr. Wittaya Phuyosarn, Khon Kaen Municipal Clerk, who highlighted its objective of enhancing education quality in line with the municipality’s vision of making Khon Kaen a “City of Learning” that ensures inclusive education for all under the “360-Degree Classroom” initiative. Education Model: The 360-Degree Classroom The training focused on three types of education: 1. Formal Education: - Cluster school model: Divided into Academic, Sports, and Vocational/Life Skills - Key projects: - Teacher-Doctor-Parent Program - Horizon-Expanding Classrooms - Children’s Council - Excellence Development Curriculum - Health-Promoting Schools - Eco Schools - Zero-Waste Schools 2. Non-Formal Education: - Programs for underprivileged urban youth, focusing on rehabilitation and life quality improvement. 3. Informal Education: - Khon Kaen Heritage Center (Hoang Moon Mang) - Youth and Family Centers - Thai-Chinese Cultural Center (Khon Kaen-Nanning) - Children’s Library - ICT Learning and Skill Development Center Importance of Teacher Development The Mayor emphasized that teachers and educational personnel are the key drivers of these policies. The municipality is committed to enhancing their expertise, moral and ethical standards, and lifelong learning mindset to create a sustainable, high-quality education system. Training Sessions The training program was divided into two sessions: - Morning Session: - Mayor’s lecture: “Education Policy & The 360-Degree Classroom” - Afternoon Session: - Lecture by Phra Maha Suphachai Suphakijjo, Associate Professor, Director of the Isan College of Religious Studies - Topic: “Ethics, Morality, and Creating Happiness in the Teaching Profession” Khon Kaen: A City of Opportunities The Mayor emphasized Khon Kaen’s strengths as: - A center for academics, economy, and innovation - A MICE City and Smart City - A hub for medical services (e.g., Srinagarind Hospital expanding to 5,000 beds) - A hub for education, commerce, investment, and logistics - A green industry and ASEAN economic corridor city - A diplomatic hub (hosting consulates from China, Vietnam, Laos, and Peru) - An international transit hub (Khon Kaen Airport expansion and new transport terminals) Future-Ready Education The Mayor emphasized the need for adaptive learning in the era of technological disruption, highlighting the “5+1 Desired Attributes” for students: 1. Discipline and perseverance 2. Responsibility 3. Public-mindedness 4. Gratitude (aligning with an aging society) 5. Local pride and awareness 6. (Bonus) Lifelong learning, technology literacy, and foreign language skills Final Remarks The Mayor reaffirmed Khon Kaen’s commitment to education transformation, stressing that over 40% of municipal resources are invested in education. While it may take a decade to see full results, the benefits will extend to the city, its youth, and the entire nation. He concluded by expressing appreciation for all educators, recognizing them as the foundation of social progress and future development.