Susan O'Rourke | August 14, 2024
This past June, UNC World View’s Global Education Leaders Program brought together current and aspiring leaders from K-12 schools, districts, and community colleges in North Carolina and Kentucky. Gathering for three days in Chapel Hill, leaders examined global issues that impact students and their communities. Participants were led by UNC faculty and industry experts as they engaged in dialogue about key global topics, including current events in Latin America with Prof. Jonathan Hartlyn (Department of Political Science) and the historical and political context of U.S.-Japan relations with Prof. Morgan Pitelka (Department of History).
With Prof. Bob Jenkins (Department of Political Science), leaders also took a deep dive into the evolution of the European Union and engaged in a simulation that made their learning come to life. The simulation allowed leaders to experience how educators can help students engage in real-world discussions.
The program also encouraged leaders to think about engaging difference in cross-cultural communication and preparing students to meet workforce needs in a global society with Prof. Tim Flood (Kenan-Flagler Business School), Robin Dorff (Gables Group Strategies), and Timothy Humphrey (IBM).
They further explored leadership strategies to support global education initiatives in classrooms and schools with UNC World View Director, Charlé LaMonica. Educators discussed how to put their learning into action by developing strategic, achievable goals for global education initiatives.
Leaders also had the opportunity to learn directly from North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall about the rich cultural exchange facilitated by the North Carolina-Moldova Partnership. Secretary Marshall emphasized the power of educators to inspire curiosity about the world and encourage the next generation of leaders to build bridges across communities and across the globe.
Leaders left the program energized by the charge of Dr. Lisa Chapman (President, Central Carolina Community College) to bring their new knowledge and strategies back to their schools and districts, build partnerships, and encourage educators and students to see the intersection between global and local.
We were inspired by the commitment of these leaders to expanding global education opportunities for students, supporting educators in their schools and districts, and preparing the next generation of leaders! UNC World View looks forward to seeing the accomplishments of this class of leaders in global education as the 2024-2025 academic year begins!
