Susan O'Rourke | August 13, 2024
In today’s interconnected world, it’s crucial that students can work collaboratively across various cultures. Understanding the issues in a global society is essential to equipping our students with the necessary skills and strategies to thrive beyond Bertie High School. My goal is to ensure they are well-prepared to navigate and succeed in the global environment they will encounter after graduation.
This month we are honored to feature William W. Peele III in our Global Educator Spotlight! William is the Principal of Bertie High School and has served students in Bertie County Schools for over 24 years as an administrator and teacher. He was formerly a history teacher and subsequently served as the principal of Bertie Middle School. In 2016, William was awarded the Wells Fargo Northeast Regional Principal of the Year. William shared his deep appreciation for students at Bertie High School and how committed they are to their education. He explained that: “Bertie High School is one of two high schools in Bertie County. With approximately 450 students, our school serves a diverse student body [and is] located in a rural district.” He highlighted that, “while our community faces socioeconomic challenges, our students demonstrate remarkable resilience and determination. They…. actively participate in various school activities and programs. The strong sense of community and support among students, staff, and families is a testament to the positive environment we strive to cultivate at Bertie High School.”
For William, a global education is essential to maintaining that strong community and ensuring student success. In fact, William affirmed that “global education aligns perfectly with our vision at Bertie High School.” By infusing the school with global learning, students both deepen their knowledge of the world and develop skills that help them flourish in the workplace and their communities. William explains that Bertie High School “aims to provide high-quality, research-based instruction while empowering students to become responsible, collaborative, and critical thinkers in a diverse and ever-changing world. Our mission is for each student at Bertie High School to graduate with an educational experience that serves as a foundation for success in college, career, and life.”
William emphasized that his interest in global education is rooted in his care and commitment to his students and his recognition that it is “imperative to prepare our students to become globally competitive citizens.” His experience both as a teacher and administrator has given him unique insight and an opportunity to support global education initiatives in the classroom and across the school. As an educator, he recognized how “crucial it is for teachers to understand what students will encounter in order to prepare them for a global world.” He shared that educators’ commitment to lifelong learning about the world—from global history to current events and the global workplace—“shapes how we educate and equip our students for future challenges.”
He further affirmed the importance “as an administrator,” to engage in global learning,….identify what is required for our students’ success,….and communicate this information to our teachers. By doing so, [he and teachers at Bertie High School] can ensure that they provide research-based instruction that empowers students to become globally ready citizens in the society we live in [and] to thrive beyond Bertie High School.”
For William, UNC World View has been a valuable resource as he continues to develop a community of globally minded educators and students at Bertie High School. William was selected to participate in the 2024 Global Education Leaders Program held in Chapel Hill in June where he heard from experts on global history, intercultural communication, and workforce development. William encouraged other administrators looking to expand global education in their schools, and districts to engage with UNC World View:
My experience at the UNC World View was phenomenal. It gave me an opportunity to broaden my horizons as an educator by hearing from different professionals about global education and its importance. We heard from Prof. Tim Flood and Mr. Timothy Humphrey, the IBM Chief Analytics Officer, and we also had the chance to talk with Secretary of State of North Carolina Elaine Marshall who shared invaluable insights. The experience was truly eye-opening and left me speechless. It highlighted the importance of preparing our students for a global society that is constantly evolving. Understanding this broader spectrum of global issues is crucial for equipping our students to thrive in an ever-changing world.
We are so grateful for William’s leadership and commitment to expanding opportunities for students to engage more deeply in global learning!
