Caroline Foster: TGC/irex Capstone Project
In the fall of 2013, I participated in an online professional development opportunity through the State Department's Teachers for Global Classrooms. The following summer, I traveled with my cohort to schools in Manila and Bacolod, Philippines. This website should serve as a resource for any educator interested in global education and the opportunities that abound.
Global education the lens through which I focus my teaching. Though our world is getting smaller, it's still packed with an incredibly diverse population. If our students are to be successful, it's imperative that they understand how to make their way in such a world. They must be able to thoroughly research a concept or problem, understand perspectives, communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences, and then take action to help solve that problem or somehow better their world. It's relevant, engaging work for students and teachers alike, and it aligns perfectly with Portland's rich, diverse community and focus on college and career readiness.
Portland is also especially primed for this work because of recent collaboration with Harvard's Project Zero. Last spring, students from all levels showcased ways in which their classes incorporated global education projects. The array was impressive, from a sixth grade class hosting a naturalization ceremony to a group of high school students reaching out to help solve transportation issues relevant to their fellow students. Elementary students even became published writers through a partnership with the Telling Room. It's great stuff- a global framework with immediate local benefits.
This website should serve as a jumping-off point for any educator ready to explore. There are resources, examples of lesson and unit plans, and links to other helpful guides. Please scroll through the pages above to find what works best for you, and please feel free to contact me at any time with questions or for guidance. Good luck and enjoy!
Global education the lens through which I focus my teaching. Though our world is getting smaller, it's still packed with an incredibly diverse population. If our students are to be successful, it's imperative that they understand how to make their way in such a world. They must be able to thoroughly research a concept or problem, understand perspectives, communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences, and then take action to help solve that problem or somehow better their world. It's relevant, engaging work for students and teachers alike, and it aligns perfectly with Portland's rich, diverse community and focus on college and career readiness.
Portland is also especially primed for this work because of recent collaboration with Harvard's Project Zero. Last spring, students from all levels showcased ways in which their classes incorporated global education projects. The array was impressive, from a sixth grade class hosting a naturalization ceremony to a group of high school students reaching out to help solve transportation issues relevant to their fellow students. Elementary students even became published writers through a partnership with the Telling Room. It's great stuff- a global framework with immediate local benefits.
This website should serve as a jumping-off point for any educator ready to explore. There are resources, examples of lesson and unit plans, and links to other helpful guides. Please scroll through the pages above to find what works best for you, and please feel free to contact me at any time with questions or for guidance. Good luck and enjoy!
“This website is not an official U.S. Department of State website. The views and information presented
are the grantee’s own and do not represent the Teachers for Global Classrooms Program, IREX, or the
U.S. Department of State.”