Danielle+Bergeron

I interviewed a teacher in Harnett County Schools who incorporates global perspectives into their classroom. Mrs. S basically says she incorporates global perspectives to allow students the opportunity to understand the world around them, and how they are affected everyday. Mrs. S also says her students enjoy the different ways she brings the rest of the world into the classroom. Even if it is just by using a story from a different country, Mrs. S is able to discuss global matters in her classroom.

1. What made you decide to teach global perspectives? //In this day and age everything is coming together; we are no longer separated from the rest of the world. We rely on the rest of the world, and can learn so much, it is important to incorporate the rest of the world in our classrooms.// 2. How do your students react to bringing global perspectives into the classroom? //For the most part students react in a positive way. Students are interested in the way the rest of the world works, and if nothing else, it is something new and exciting, not the typical worksheet. // 3. What benefits do your students receive by teaching global perspectives? //Students are more aware about the world around them. Not only do students understand there are issues around the world, but they also understand they are affected by the decisions and actions of actions. In the future this type of knowledge has the potential to have great impacts.// 4 What specific goals do you have for your students when teaching them to be globally minded? //I want students to understand what happens around the world affects us here at home, some negatively and some positively. The United States is deeply connected to the rest of the world, and it is important for students to understand our connections, both now and historically. Also, to be open minded and understanding of others cultures, and they have shaped our present day. // 5. How do you plan on continuing and/or expanding your global curriculum? //Something new happens everyday. In order to continue and expand my connections, it is important that I continue to search for ways to incorporate global issues into my everyday teaching. I hope to continue making connections and use them to create opportunities for my students, for example, working with educators in other countries to connect our students’ lives through technology. I would also like to help other educators incorporate a global theme in their classes. // 6. It seems as though bringing global perspectives into the classroom would be easier in some subjects than other. For example, a social studies class would be easier than a math class. Is this the case and if so, how do you incorporate global perspectives into a class such as math? //I think some subjects, like social studies might be “easier” just because we are used to incorporating global connections, but the reality is there are ways to easily bring global connections into all subjects. For example, in a language arts class it is very easy to use literary works from a different culture and discuss that part of the world and how they affect our everyday lives.// 7. How do your more traditional coworkers feel about brining global perspectives into the classroom? //For the most part I think all educators are starting to see and feel the importance of global connections. From what I have seen, the problem isn’t getting them to understand the need, but to implement it in their classroom. I don’t think this is because of lack of interest or disagreement, rather not knowing how. With a bit of encouragement and help I think the majority of educators would embrace this. // 8. In your opinion, what should be the next move for NC public schools concerning global education? //Like I said in the last question, I think teachers would embrace this idea, if they had more knowledge. It is important for teachers to understand how to implement a new program, so I think the state needs to invest in solid professional development. With the right tools and understanding, teachers would come around and incorporate global connections. // 9. How are you sharing your global teaching style with other educators in your field? //I just try to encourage teachers to use these connections in their classrooms, but ultimately what they do in their classroom is up to them. If they need help, I am more than willing to help them come up with global connections, or they can use something of mine. // 10. What are some influences that caused you to incorporate a global perspective in your teaching style? // I have always enjoyed learning about the rest of the world, and other cultures. Our country, and culture is made up of a mix of cultures around the world. It is important for students to understand where we come from as well as where we are going. The way the world works now it is essential for students to understand global issues. It may seem far away, and like it doesn’t matter, but the fact is everything that happens in some way or another affects us. //