University of Tokyo to Launch "Education Innovator Development Program" Certificate Program for Working Adults

In October 2026, the University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Education (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Center Director: Yasushi Asami) will launch the "Education Innovator Development Program," a certificate program aimed at fostering "Education Innovators" who will bring about change in educational settings. Applications for the first cohort of students will open in July 2026.

Under its basic policy "UTokyo Compass 2.0 ~Into a Sea of Diversity: Creating the Future through Dialogue~," first announced in September 2021 and revised in May 2024, the University of Tokyo promotes reciprocal lifelong learning that connects the university and society, and is committed to inclusive education that is not fixed to specific ages, attributes, or backgrounds. As part of this initiative, the Graduate School of Education is establishing a new platform for working adults to engage in systematic learning.

Application Site: https://eip.he.u-tokyo.ac.jp/

Background

In today's complex and rapidly changing world, transformation that questions existing assumptions is required in all educational settings, from elementary, secondary, and higher education to lifelong learning for working adults. However, systematic training grounds for individuals who will lead such transformations are not yet sufficiently established. UTokyo Compass 2.0 advocates for reciprocal lifelong learning, where the university provides knowledge to society and serves as a forum for learning about social issues. This program, under this policy, aims to cultivate "Education Innovators" who will bring about change in educational settings through both practice and theory.

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Significance of the Program - For Systematic Lifelong Learning for Working Adults

As the era undergoes significant change, practitioners from various backgrounds are working on educational innovation in diverse fields. Along with this expansion, systematic knowledge that transcends individual experiences and connects them is becoming more important than ever.

One path to pursue such learning seriously is through graduate research. However, for working professionals at the forefront of their fields, pursuing a master's or doctoral program presents significant time and financial burdens. This program addresses this challenge by offering a "Certificate Program" under Article 105 of the School Education Act, providing an opportunity for busy working adults to systematically relearn over 6 months and 70 hours, without needing to enroll in a graduate program.

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Academic Significance - Systematizing "Academic Knowledge" in Educational Innovation

While the importance of educational innovation is widely discussed, it remains an area where clear definitions and systematic theories are not yet fully established. Excellent practices exist in various places, but many remain personal and fragmented, not accumulated as "academic knowledge" that can be learned and passed down by anyone. In Perspective 1 of UTokyo Compass 2.0, "Pursuing Knowledge," the University of Tokyo aims to connect and explore academic knowledge across fields to create new, collaborative academic knowledge. This program aims to be a place that, in parallel with fostering talent, builds and systematizes the academic knowledge required for educational innovation through the reciprocal exchange between frontline practices and university research.

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Program Features

- Reciprocal Exchange of Practice and Theory: Learn through case studies by practitioners who have led transformations in their respective fields, and the theories that support them, while understanding their interrelationships.

- Formation of Philosophy as an Education Innovator: Participants will engage in actual transformation initiatives in their own settings and organize/reflect on the process in an "Education Innovators' Portfolio."

- Design Conducive to Working Adults' Learning: Primarily using on-demand materials, with strategically placed in-person and synchronous sessions, the program is structured for 70 hours over 6 months.

- Upon completion, a "Certificate of Completion" will be awarded in accordance with Article 105 of the School Education Act.

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Recruitment Overview

Program Name: Education Innovator Development Program (Certificate Program)

Organizer: Graduate School of Education, The University of Tokyo

Program Director: Yasushi Asami (Center Director)

Main Lecturers: Hiroaki Sato, Kayoko Kurita (Graduate School of Education)

Lecturers: Practitioners and researchers active in education, administration, and industry.

Program Period: October 2026 - March 2027 (70 hours / conducted in-person and online)

Capacity: 25 students (Applications accepted once a year)

Tuition (tax included): Employees of private companies, etc. ¥500,000

Employees of educational institutions, administrative bodies, public organizations, etc. ¥250,000

Application Period: [Application Start] July 1, 2026 (Wed) [First Deadline] July 31, 2026 (Fri) 23:59 (approx. 20 students) [Second Deadline] August 10, 2026 (Mon) 23:59 (a few students) [Notification of Results] Around August 10, 2026 (Mon)

How to Apply: Please apply through the application site. https://eip.he.u-tokyo.ac.jp/

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Through this program, the University of Tokyo will continue to foster individuals who will bring about change in educational settings and promote the creation of a network that supports their learning.