Gavin McCormack

With a career deeply rooted in education and a passion for fostering real-world skills and positive change in the educational sector, my journey has been both rewarding and humbling. As a co-founder of Upschool.co, a platform designed to empower students with real entrepreneurship skills that make a tangible impact, I have been fortunate to contribute to the educational growth of children in over 180 countries. This initiative underscores my commitment to providing purposeful education that transcends traditional learning boundaries. With over two decades of experience as a Montessori-trained teacher, I have had the privilege of teaching in multiple countries, which has enriched my understanding of diverse educational needs and practices. My role as the Montessori Australia Ambassador and my experiences as a TEDx speaker on the transformative power of education reflect my ongoing dedication to innovative educational practices. My work has extended beyond the classroom, with significant contributions to building schools and libraries, particularly in Nepal, where I also run three teacher training centres. As a best-selling author of children’s books and a book on Montessori education for parents, I aim to extend the reach and impact of progressive educational philosophies. The recognition as one of the top ten most influential global educators in consecutive years and a nomination for Australian of the Year highlight the impact of these efforts on a global scale. Yet, it is the individual transformations and breakthroughs in the classroom that remain the most rewarding aspects of my work. I have had the honour of speaking at various prestigious platforms, including a keynote to the Prime Minister of India in Karnataka, the Ithra Education Conference at the King Abdul Azizah Education Centre in Saudi Arabia, the Montessori Australia Conference, and the Potential Child Conference in Europe. These opportunities have allowed me to share insights and learn from fellow educators and policymakers, fostering a collaborative approach to addressing global educational challenges. As we look towards the future of education, I am keen to engage in meaningful dialogues and share my experiences and perspectives at GESS Dubai. I believe that through collaboration and shared vision, we can achieve transformative educational outcomes that prepare our children for a bright and promising future.