October 2025 marked a special milestone for the International Association of Innovative Teachers and Managers in Education (IAITME) - its first anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than by coming together for two days of meaningful collaboration, reflection, exchange and inspiration.
In Skopje, North Macedonia, partners of the NELCA project gathered not only for the 4th Management Meeting, but also to celebrate a year defined by networking, growth, and ashared vision for the future of education. It was a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and to energize our community for the journey ahead.
Hosted by the Center for innovations and digital education Dig-Ed, the meeting brought partners together for two highly productive days, focused on reviewing progress, evaluating outcomes, and shaping the next steps of the NELCA project, while also strategically planning the future development of IAITME.
A central focus of the meeting was the successful completion and evaluation of pilot trainings offered through the IAITME web site, including:
Partners also reflected on follow-up trainings, focused on building shared school visions and the implementation of the EFQM Excellence Model as a powerful tool for improving educational quality and institutional development.
Updates were presented on the ongoing development of the IAITME website, alongside plans for dynamic content sharing, multilingual communication, and increased visibility of partner activities. These discussions highlighted IAITME’s growing role as a platform for connecting educators, school leaders, and innovators across Europe.
The meeting concluded with strategic planning for the final NELCA project conference and Transnational Project Meeting, scheduled for March 2026 in Ružomberok, Slovakia. This event will showcase key project achievements, long-term sustainability plans, and further promote IAITME web site among conference participants.
Additionally, the IAITME Presidency held a dedicated meeting to discuss the association’s action plan and upcoming activities aimed at ensuring its successfully development. The meeting was led by IAITME President Jana Chynoradská, who guided and shaped the future activities of the vice-presidents:
Together, the leadership team reaffirmed a strong commitment to building a dynamic, inclusive, and impactful association.
The days in Skopje were more than a project meeting, they were a testament to the strength of international partnership, and a clear signal that innovation, creativity, and quality in education thrive when communities work together.
Looking Forward: What’s Next?
Celebrating one year of IAITME isn’t just about marking an anniversary - it’s about setting the tone for the years to come. As we look ahead, our focus remains the same:
The enthusiasm and positive energy felt in Skopje showed one thing clearly: this is only the beginning. Together, we are building a future where innovation, creativity, and quality in education thrive through strong international cooperation.