Bridge the Gap 2025

Bridging the Disconnect: Redesigning Curriculum and Methods to Reignite Student Passion​

SoFIA’s Annual Online Summit

Bridge the Gap is SoFIA’s annual global online summit. A platform that brings together educators, school leaders, university students, academics, and thought leaders from around the world to explore the most pressing challenges in education and share real, actionable solutions.

Since its launch in 2020, the summit has evolved into a vibrant global community of practice, uniting voices that believe in transforming education for a better future.

Each year, Bridge the Gap focuses on a central theme that reflects SoFIA’s commitment to innovation, equity, and student empowerment.

In 2025, we turn our attention to one of education’s greatest challenges: reigniting student passion.
Under the theme “Bridging the Disconnect: Redesigning Curriculum and Methods to Reignite Student Passion,” the summit will explore how educators can redesign learning experiences that inspire curiosity, purpose, and lifelong learning.

Agenda

15:30 – 15:35
GMT – Time Zone

Defining the Gap
Konstantinos Doukas, Founder & President | SoFIA

15:35 – 15:45
GMT – Time Zone

Unlocking Student Potential: Key Insights from PISA on Learning and Engagement
Miyako Ikeda, Senior Analyst | OECD (PISA)

15:45 – 15:55
GMT – Time Zone

Understanding Student Disengagement: What’s New, What’s Not
Jennifer Fredricks, Professor of Psychology | Union College

15:55 – 16:05
GMT – Time Zone

Turning Up the Resistance and Becoming Constellation Builders: Designing New Educational Responses in Times of Disengagement and Uncertainty
Dr. Andrew Cunningham, Global Lead, Education | Aga Khan Foundation

16:05 – 16:15
GMT – Time Zone

Becoming Einstein’s Teacher – Awakening the Genius in Your Students
Erika Twani, Author, CEO & Co-Founder | One to One Learning

16:15 – 16:25
GMT – Time Zone

Beyond Engagement: Four Ways to Engage
Micki Chi, Professor | Arizona State University

16:25 – 16:35
GMT – Time Zone

RanWhen Learning Nurtures: Building Compassionate Classrooms for People and
Planet – Roundtable Discussion
Deepa Avashia, School Leader | The Riverside School, Riverside Learning Center, Design For Change
Vinisha Dixit, Student at The Riverside School
Simran Mulchandani, Co-Founder & CEO | Rangeet
Karishma Menon, Co-Founder, Curriculum And Design | Rangeet

16:35 – 16:45
GMT – Time Zone

Reframing Student Engagement Through Social Bonding and Inclusive Learning Communities
Dr. Carolyn Gentle-Genitty, Dean & Professor | Founder’s College at Butler University

16:45 – 16:55
GMT – Time Zone

Instructional spaces: Making the simple super!
David Lopez, Director, Edu Strategy | ScreenBeam

16:55 – 17:05
GMT – Time Zone

Empowering young people to shape their world with technology
Natalie Moore, CEO | Apps for Good

17:05 – 17:15
GMT – Time Zone

Rebooting Engagement: From Vivariumware to Digital Evangelism in the Age of AI
Carlo Mazzone, Global Teacher Prize Ambassador

17:15 – 17:25
GMT – Time Zone

The power of Asynchronous Edutainment
Doreen Bateyunga, Senior Producer | Ubongo
Esteria Kajuna, Researcher | Ubongo

17:25 – 17:30
GMT – Time Zone

Closing Remarks
Konstantinos Doukas, Founder & President | SoFIA

Moderator

Speakers

Andrew Cunningham

Dr. Andrew Cunningham

Aga Khan Foundation | Global Lead, Education

Karishma Menon

Rangeet | Curriculum and Design