By Susan O'Rourke | February 14, 2022
For Nicole, global perspectives are crucial to students’ career preparedness. By taking an interdisciplinary, globally-focused approach, educators can help students envision multiple possibilities for their academic and professional development. Global education expands students’ ideas of the career pathways that are available to them, whether they “go on to a community college, trade school, university, or a master’s program or enter directly into the workforce or the military.” Along each of these paths, Nicole explains, students will need the strong sense of empathy, cultural awareness, and intellectual curiosity that global learning cultivates.
This month, UNC World View is very excited to feature Nicole Murray in our Educator Spotlight. Nicole currently serves as Interim Chief Officer for STEAMA (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math, and Agriculture) Curriculum and Instruction at Duplin County Schools. The Curriculum Innovation Department “[supports] Duplin County Schools’ vision to become an exemplary school system where all students and staff excel in a globally competitive society.” In her role, Nicole supports many curriculum programs and appreciates the opportunities she has in this role to serve students across programs and to bring globally-focused learning to Duplin County schools.
Nicole celebrates the widespread emphasis on global learning in Duplin County, from the support provided by Superintendent Dr. Austin Obasohan, who is “very committed to our students’ development into globally-educated citizens,” to the excellent instruction provided by teachers and information specialists.
Nicole emphasizes that global perspectives are an integral part of the STEAMA curriculum. She works alongside Cultural Arts educators to host artists-in-residence and plan events that introduce students to arts, music, and dance around the world. Recently, Nicole and her colleagues invited Spanish flamenco dancers not only to instruct students in the art of flamenco but also to teach the students about the dance’s rich cultural history. Previously, Duplin County Schools also hosted programs in which a batik artist taught students more about the dyeing techniques, textiles, and history of this art form. Nicole appreciates that such programs are collaborative learning experiences through which teachers participate in professional development, as well.
For Nicole, global perspectives are crucial to students’ career preparedness, as well. By taking an interdisciplinary, globally-focused approach, educators can help students envision multiple possibilities for their academic and professional development. Global education expands students’ ideas of the career pathways that are available to them, whether they “go on to a community college, trade school, university, or a master’s program or enter directly into the workforce or the military.” Along each of these paths, Nicole explains, students will need the strong sense of empathy, cultural awareness, and intellectual curiosity that global learning cultivates.
Nicole further explains the importance of developing globally-minded students given Duplin County’s role in the global economy. As an agricultural powerhouse, Duplin County farms and businesses connect with people around the globe through the export of their products and the multinational corporations headquartered there. Global education in schools, Nicole explains, is critical to helping students see that global is local and to prepare to work alongside and connect with people from around the world.
Nicole affirms that UNC World View has been an integral part of global education in Duplin County and encourages other educators and administrators to become involved in the UNC World View community. Nicole participated recently in the Global Education Leaders Cohort where she collaborated with representatives from different counties and the University System. Nicole notes that it was “enriching” and a “tremendous learning experience” that provided support and new perspectives. Nicole not only engages with UNC World View as a curriculum specialist but also encourages Duplin County educators (and educators across North Carolina!) to participate in UNC World View’s programs. She has already encouraged educators to attend upcoming virtual programs, including those on Renaissance women’s history (March 8th) and North Carolina’s Indigenous Cultures (March 24th), and to join the Teacher-Student Initiative: Tackling the Global Water Challenge.
We are so grateful for Nicole’s leadership and applaud her work advancing global STEAMA learning!