From classroom to staffroom: Advancing the status of educators

Behind every innovator is an inspirational teacher, which is why advancing the status of the profession is as important today as it was in 1966. That was when the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) first published their recommendations to elevate the standing of the profession.

World Teachers’ Day marks the 60th anniversary of that vital recognition of the need to protect our educators and support them in their vocation as guardians of learning during our formative years.

It is a belief that also underpins Aramco Europe’s efforts to facilitate the continuous professional development of teachers as part of its broader commitment to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Aramco Europe Acting Chief Communications Officer, Laura in ’t Veld said: “If we want to inspire the next generation of innovators, we must invest in the people who inspire them first. 

“Supporting students and supporting teachers are two sides of the same coin, so successful STEM strategies address both of these priorities.”

Supporting Educators

A powerful example of this approach is the company's long-standing collaboration with the University of Manchester, which combines practical support for teachers with a strong emphasis on listening to their needs and feedback.

Only about 5% of primary teachers in the UK come from a science background – and those that do can often earn higher salaries outside the profession – a significant factor in why so many are leaving for higher paid jobs in industry. Through its programs, the university aims to support science teacher retention and tackle the brain drain from the profession.

Building on this support for educators, another collaboration with STEM Learning, the UK’s largest provider of education and career support in STEM, has funded the professional development of teachers across 83 schools in London. Aramco Europe also works with the UK’s Silverstone Museum on the STEM Pitstop Outreach Program as the mobile interactive learning experience tours the UK. The program, which uses the appeal of motorsport to inspire interest in STEM, has already benefited some 400 teachers and 12,500 students.

Shared Success

This commitment extends beyond the UK. Across Europe, the company’s education programs are helping teachers access new resources, methodologies and professional learning opportunities that strengthen STEM education in diverse classroom settings.

In Poland, Aramco Europe has worked with The Fahrenheit Universities of Gdańsk since 2024, working directly with teachers to develop innovative education formats that spark curiosity among students of all ages. This is demonstrated through the Fahrenheit Science Picnic in Gdańsk, an annual event featuring experiments, workshops and STEM-focused activities. 

Elsewhere in Europe, the company has advanced teacher and student-focused programs in Italy and Spain, where it works with the ASTI Talent & Tech Foundation in delivering a program that involves 400 educational institutions, 600 mentors and 1,700 students. 

Through its STEM-focused citizenship initiatives, Aramco Europe is helping educators build the confidence, skills and support networks they need to inspire the next generation of innovators. These projects represent the company’s ongoing commitment to elevate the profession, strengthen learning outcomes and help shape the futures that World Teachers’ Day seeks to celebrate.