The recent Tri-Association Conference (TriCon24) in Mexico City brought together educators, administrators, and thought leaders from across Central America, Mexico, Colombia, and the Caribbean to explore meaningful connections between purpose and education. The event, held at the American School Foundation (ASF), was an opportunity for schools in the region to reflect on the challenges of the past few years and look ahead to a future shaped by intentional teaching, learning, and leadership. As the Executive Director of the Tri-Association, I had the privilege of helping to shape the vision for this conference, and I was deeply motivated by the hope that it would inspire and reinvigorate the region’s educational community.
Educators participating in the Tri-Association 42 Annual Educator's Conference. (Photo source: Tri-Association) The Vision: Living and Teaching with Purpose
The theme, “Teaching, Learning and Living with Purpose,” was something that had been on our minds for quite some time, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve seen firsthand how the pandemic forced educators, students, and school leaders to confront some very existential questions about the direction of their careers and lives.
So many educators were exhausted, questioning their roles and rethinking their futures. Many leaders stepped away from their positions, and teachers were left wondering, “Is this what I want to keep doing?” This period of uncertainty created an opportunity for reflection and personal re-evaluation, and we felt that it was the perfect time to explore the theme of purpose in our work. The conference was designed to help educators reignite their passion for teaching by reconnecting with their purpose, both personally and professionally.
Shaping the Conference with Purpose
In developing the conference, we worked closely with speakers and collaborators who shared our commitment to the theme of purpose. We were fortunate to work with experts like Hoan Do (keynote speaker, day one), Ross Wehner and Jessica Catoggio from the World Leadership School (keynote speakers, day two), as well as Efren Martinez (keynote speaker, day three), who helped us think through how we could bring the theme to life in meaningful ways. It was a vision we had been trying to bring together for over a year, and this was the moment we made it happen.
One of the key things we wanted to highlight was that the focus on purpose wasn’t just for students—it was equally for educators and leaders. If we can help teachers and school leaders reconnect with their own sense of purpose, they’re in a much better position to help their students thrive. After everything we’ve gone through in the past few years, the conference was an opportunity for participants to reflect on their wellbeing, goals, and a sense of meaning in their professional lives.
Educators participating in the Tri-Association 42 Annual Educator's Conference. (Photo source: Tri-Association)
Collaboration and Community at the Core
The collaborative spirit of the event was one of the things we're most proud of. Mr. Kolia O’Connor, the Head of ASF, played an instrumental role in bringing the conference to life. From the start, Kolia and his team were excited about the theme, and it was a perfect fit for them, especially since Kolia was reflecting on the purpose and future of ASF as he entered his second year as Head of School.
The decision to hold the conference at ASF was intentional, as I believe educators feel more at home in schools than in traditional conference hotel venues. Schools are where teachers feel comfortable—it’s their space, and it sets the right tone for a conference centered on the idea of purpose in education. It was a space where participants could reflect not just on their work with students, but also on their role within the larger educational landscape.
Throughout the planning process, we also engaged with our Tri-Association affinity groups, which meet regularly throughout the year to discuss challenges, share ideas, and offer support. These groups, which we call "Tri Talks," helped shape the content of the conference, as they gave us a real-time sense of what our schools needed in terms of professional development. It was important to us that the conference addressed the needs of educators at all levels.
A Smooth Unfolding Amidst Unforeseen Challenges
Despite a few unexpected challenges—like two earthquakes and a rainstorm on the first day—the conference unfolded smoothly and met its goals. As we all know, teachers are experts at handling the unexpected. We prepare for lessons, but sometimes things change, and we have to adapt. The disruptions at the conference were minor, and in a way, they served as a reminder of the flexibility and resilience that educators show every day in their work.
The event featured a diverse lineup of keynote speakers who each tackled different aspects of the theme. Hoan Do kicked off the conference with a powerful message about the mental "playlists" we all carry—those negative thoughts and self-talk that can hold us back. His message was simple but deeply resonant, “You can either drown in negativity, or you can change the playlist and move forward.”
Ross Wehner and Jessica Catoggio’s keynote focused on how purpose plays out in the classroom and in leadership. They provided practical insights for educators and school leaders on how to live and work with intention. And Efren Martinez’s closing keynote was a particularly moving reflection on how living with purpose ties back to our individual and collective meaning, drawing on the ideas and life lessons of Viktor Frankl.
Supporting Educators to Support Students
One of the main goals of the conference was to help educators and leaders reconnect with their sense of purpose so that they can better support their students. In the aftermath of the pandemic, schools are dealing with an ongoing social and emotional crisis, and it’s crucial that we help our educators maintain their wellbeing and sense of direction. If staff feel balanced and purposeful, they are better equipped to help children navigate their own challenges.
The conference also placed a strong emphasis on social and emotional learning (SEL), not just for students but for educators and staff as well. SEL is essential for creating a healthy and supportive school environment, and educators need as much support in this area as their students do.
Celebrating Growth in Latin America
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work is seeing the growth and development of schools across Latin America. Having lived in the region for over 34 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand how schools in Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and the Caribbean have evolved to meet the needs of their communities. Our schools are deeply rooted in their local cultures, and they play a vital role in preparing students for success both locally and globally.
The connection our schools have with their host countries is one of the great strengths of the region. We’re not here to impose any other culture; we’re here to promote wellbeing, learning, and growth. By staying grounded in the local context, our schools are able to offer students meaningful, culturally relevant education, which prepares them to thrive in a globalized world.
The inclusivity of the conference was also a key feature. Given the bilingual environment in which many of our schools operate, we made sure to offer Keynotes in both English and Spanish as well as multiple conference sessions in Spanish. This is something we’re committed to expanding in the coming years, as we continue to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work.
Looking Ahead to Costa Rica
As we look forward to next year’s conference in San José, Costa Rica, I’m excited about exploring new themes. While the exact theme is still in development, I anticipate that innovation and emerging technologies, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), will be key areas of exploration. AI presents both challenges and opportunities for education, and we’re eager to examine how it can be harnessed to improve teaching and learning while also addressing the ethical questions it raises.
As I reflect on the success of this year’s conference, I am grateful for the support and engagement from the Tri-Association community. My team and I are already gathering feedback to ensure that we continue providing educators with the tools and inspiration they need to navigate the ever-evolving educational landscape. With a focus on purpose, wellbeing, and growth, we remain committed to fostering joyful and caring spaces so educators and students can thrive.
This article was created from a conversation about the Tri-Assoociation Educator's conference.
Michael W. Adams, Executive Director of the Tri-Association, holds a doctorate in education. He has spent over three decades working with students, educators, and communities in Colombia and Mexico, including at The Columbus School, Colegio Granadino, Colegio Nueva Granada, Colegio Jorge Washington, and the American School Foundation of Monterrey. His work has focused on fostering growth, development, and continuous improvement within these educational communities. Deeply committed to giving back to the region that has shaped him as an educator, leader, mentor, and family member, Michael is honored to support schools, leaders, and educators in preparing for the future. He is always happy to offer guidance and support to those in need.
