UNC World View’s K-12 Global Education Symposium Fosters Global Learning

Phenomenal. Informative. Amazing. Inspirational. Eye-opening. Excellent. These are just a few of the words participants used to describe UNC World View’s annual K-12 Global Education Symposium. Over 150 educators from 30 different counties attended the Opening Classrooms to the World symposium on October 10th in Chapel Hill. This year’s program enhanced global education practices in K-12 schools, equipping educators with the tools and resources to foster global teaching and learning.

The symposium featured a diverse array of keynote talks and concurrent sessions from leading experts in global education, practicing global educators, and inspirational speakers who highlighted the importance of actively engaging in our world. Educators explored innovative teaching strategies, shared best practices, and discussed curriculum development that prioritized global awareness. This year’s symposium underscored the importance of integrating global issues into classroom discussions in all disciplines and in all grade levels.

Keynote speakers included Dr. Nathan Dollar who examined demographic trends in North Carolina, followed by United Nations Goodwill Ambassador Mary Maker, who shared her life experiences in a refugee camp, her support for education, and why building peace in the classroom is important. We also learned from global education expert Heather Singmaster who “set the stage” for the value of learning about global issues and creating tools for building global competencies. We ended the day with an inspiring conversation between Ambassador Barbara Stephenson and U.S. State Department Sport’s Envoy, Stephen Howard who imparted the importance of bridging cultural divides. The presenters’ insights, strategies, and resources inspired and equipped educators to implement actionable strategies in their own classrooms.

At the symposium, UNC World View honored educator Christy Hall with the Tresolini Award, named after UNC’s former Vice Provost of Academic Initiatives, Carol Tresolini. The award is given annually to recognize the achievements and commitment of an educator who is advancing global learning in their classroom and school. Ms. Hall uses a global lens to teach biology and chemistry at Alexander Early College in Alexander County. She has been an exemplary participant of UNC World View’s Teacher-Student Initiative and has attended several UNC World View professional development programs.

UNC World View is excited to continue to work with and support educators who attended the K-12 Global Education Symposium. We are grateful for the contributions of this year’s symposium supporters including the UNC School of Education, the Carolina Across 100 / Tar Heel Bus Tour, the UNC Office of the Vice Provost for Global Affairs, the Anonymous Trust and Longview Foundation.