For the School of Education, it is of great satisfaction to present this publication to all those inspired by education, as one of the principal determinants of human development. The Journal is a clear sign of the academic maturing process of the School of Education, especially since its reopening in 1994. At the same time, the Journal is a new and valuable participation modality in networks of educational information and practices, which at a global scale, are committed to the improvement of the quality of education in continents such as ours.
Since this first issue is at the same time a presentation and invitation card for our readers and collaborators to accompany us in this initiative, we think convenient to dedicate these lines to highlighting the main characteristics of the Journal, as represented by its name.

magis, as a principle of life, refers to the permanent commitment to the improvement of our human condition. To us as educators, it means to assume our responsibility with all the transcendency implied by the educational purpose of our duties. It is also the constant search for excellence in ourselves and in our students. Therefore, it implies comprehending education as a privileged space for personal, social, and cultural development.

“Education with a Human Concern”. The spirit of magis, realized itself necessarily in the day-to-day life and in historic and diverse cultural circumstances, in which we acquire our characteristics as human beings. In our case in Latin America, these circumstances have not been very favorable, given that most people are affected by poverty, violence, discrimination, environmental deterioration… These circumstances have priority for Education in order to promote human development in the continent. This highlights our emphasis to contribute to the improvement of pedagogic, didactic, and educational management practices, which clearly refer to the cultural, social, and personal situations of beneficiaries.

“International Journal of Research in Education”. In order to achieve the above mentioned the Journal opts to promote reflection about educational research and the application of its results for the improvement of the quality of education. In the contemporary world, information has become the most dynamic factor for development, and for Education this is not an exception. Because of this, in Latin America there is an urgent need to strengthen research in Education, on appropriate methodologies, systematized teacher experiences and the application of research results to the improvement of pedagogic, didactic, and educational management practices.
We hope the Journal becomes an open discussion forum, where interdisciplinary and international dialogue about educational research can strengthen our intentions to accomplish our professional and personal responsibilities with educators.
Finally, we trust that this will be the beginning of a long and productive relationship with our readers and collaborators, who from now on can contribute with suggestions and contributions.

Rafael Campo Vásquez, Ph.D.
Director, magis, International Journal of Research in Education
Pontifical Javeriana University, Bogotá, Colombia.