Unpacking PISA 2025: What the Results Mean for Teachers and Learners

Last week, Varkey Foundation and Argentinos por la Educación brought together education leaders from across the region to unpack the PISA 2025 results in a joint webinar. Andreas Schleicher opened with key findings on the need for strong teachers in disadvantaged schools, the impact of resource gaps on learning, and the cost of digital distraction in classrooms — alongside encouraging evidence that students thrive when teachers genuinely value them, and that family support remains one of the strongest predictors of success. Paraguay's Minister of Education, representatives from UNESCO, CAF and UNICEF, and several education-focused NGOs shared their own perspectives, before Jaime Saavedra of the World Bank closed the session with a call to look past alarming results toward the interventions that are actually working, and to keep investing in teachers who ensure every child learns.This September, Argentina's education month, five outstanding teachers are looking out from billboards across the country, from downtown Buenos Aires to Córdoba, Rosario and the Atlantic coast. The Varkey Foundation has teamed up with digital outlet MDZ once again to launch the fourth edition of #GraciasDocentes (Thank You, Teachers).

Chosen from more than 200 nominations submitted by students, colleagues and family members, this year's honourees are: 

• Enzo Meneguini Bernal
• María Jorgelina Mazzucco
• María Laura Riveros
• Marisel Karina Argañaraz 
• Sandra Pagliaricci

Their classrooms span the country, from Chaco and Río Negro to Mendoza, Santiago del Estero and Buenos Aires province. Now reaching more than 20 million people each year, the campaign shines a light on the transformative, often invisible, daily work of teachers.

Andreas Schleicher opened with key findings on the need for strong teachers in disadvantaged schools, the impact of resource gaps on learning, and the cost of digital distraction in classrooms — alongside encouraging evidence that students thrive when teachers genuinely value them, and that family support remains one of the strongest predictors of success.

Paraguay's Minister of Education, representatives from UNESCO, CAF and UNICEF, and several education-focused NGOs shared their own perspectives, before Jaime Saavedra of the World Bank closed the session with a call to look past alarming results toward the interventions that are actually working, and to keep investing in teachers who ensure every child learns.

Highlights of the event are here. Read more here.