Jenny recalls that the parent response to the shift in Chinese language instruction was a little uncertain at first. In a context that has long respected parent expectations for a rigorous curriculum, the updates were viewed a little skeptically. “Now, I almost never receive any questions,” explains Jenny. “Parents see their kids differently - they observe their children not only learning language skills but also thinking about their responsibilities in the world.”
Read MoreIt’s a moment every educator cherishes: sunshine is streaming through the windows as a fourth grader comes running into the classroom. He nearly trips over his own feet as he can’t wait to share with his teacher (and anyone else within earshot!) that, “We DID it! We’re HELPING!”
Read MoreAs anyone involved in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program knows, there’s a compass built in to every activity that eventually leads to a meaningful destination: The PYP Exhibition. It’s the ultimate culminating event and a public demonstration of each student’s commitment to the PYP learner profile attributes. Progressive school educational teams lean into the PYPx as their chance to promote the best outcomes among learners who are capable of showing great empathy as they learn to engage with the world around them.
Read MoreIf you happen to walk through a certain busy intersection in the American Embassy School in New Delhi, India, you might be treated to a sight that illustrates the profound value of empathy in the educational experience of young adolescents.
Read MoreAs a former classroom teacher who regularly tethered her instruction to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Middle School Principal Jennifer Ivory’s first administrative steps were informed by advanced concepts she developed from Inspire Citizens.
Read MorePre-Kindergarten students at Colegio Jorge Washington School (COJOWA) in Cartagena, Colombia, recently embarked on a heartwarming journey with elders in their families and community. A six-week learning unit called “How to Make the Elderly Smile” was an exploration of empathy, history, and service, culminating in a Christmas program that captured and created joy.
Read MoreReflecting on the three-year partnership that ICS Zurich has had with Inspire Citizens, Primary Principal Nat Atherton and Primary Years Program Coordinator Claire Febrey agree that it’s been time very well invested. And the impact of truly meaningful action components in the curriculum is well beyond what anyone could have imagined at the outset.
Read MoreAt Seoul Foreign School (SFS), Jamie Bacigalupo, a 9th and 12th grade English teacher, is applying idea after idea from the Inspire Citizens’ Global Citizenship Certificate (GCC) course to curriculum and strategic planning.
Read MoreSeoul Foreign School (SFS), under the leadership of Deputy Head of School Jan-Mark Sewald, has embarked on a multi-year transformative journey to integrate global citizenship principles, thanks to a strategic partnership with Inspire Citizens.
Read MoreEducator Dom Verwey is a committed proponent of the positive outcomes that emerge from deep professional learning opportunities like the Inspire Citizens’ Global Citizenship Certificate. The leadership competencies acquired through this type of professional learning can shift one’s self-image “from expert to along-sider,” he says.
Read MoreIn January 2022, Sara Gregson took on the role of Service Learning Coordinator at the International School of Kigali (ISK) in Rwanda, excited to transform the school's approach to service learning. Working with Inspire Citizens, she has embarked on a journey to reshape the school's culture and foster a community of educators committed to service learning.
Read MoreA recent two-day professional learning experience at Frankfurt International School (FIS) is a model of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity. Dr. Michael Johnston, Assistant Head of School at FIS, shares insights into the planning and the success of this dynamic learning venture.
Read MoreIn the heart of New Delhi, India, at the American Embassy School (AES), Grade 6 teacher Rachel Pregont finished the last school year with a transformative journey with her students, diving deep into the principles of upcycling and the benefits of a circular economy. This exemplary unit, rooted in the Inspire Citizens' Empathy to Impact cycle, showcased the stages of care, aware, able, and impact, and illustrates the power of learning experiences to drive meaningful change.
Read MoreIn a dynamic collaboration between the International School of Prague (ISP) and Inspire Citizens, Primary Years Program (PYP) Coordinator Ashley Eames reflects on the positive impact of partnering with Aaron Moniz, co-founder of Inspire Citizens, in reshaping the primary years' units of inquiry at ISP.
Read MoreTwo passionate educators from Frankfurt International School (FIS), Mariko Jungnitsch and Mette Sarstedt, have been on a collaborative journey to reshape their 8th-grade English Language Acquisition (ELA) curriculum. Their inspiration has been sparked by the Global Citizenship Certificate (GCC) course with Inspire Citizens.
Read MoreBritta McCarthy, the Director of Learning at the American International School of Jeddah, recently had a transformative experience at the NESA (Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools) fall leadership conference. Britta immersed herself in a two-day Inside Out workshop, led by Ivy Yan, a facilitator with Inspire Citizens. The workshop centered on the intersections of wellness, nature, and cultivating meaningful learning experiences for both educators and students.
Read MoreAt the American Embassy School (AES) in New Delhi, a remarkable transformation has been taking place within the Pre-Kindergarten classrooms. Led by dedicated educators and in collaboration with Inspire Citizens, this innovative food waste project has not only changed the way young children think about waste but also fostered a deep sense of empathy and responsibility toward the environment.
Read MoreInspire Citizens partnered with AISA (the Association of International Schools in Africa) in September to facilitate a 3-part student leadership series that involved 115 student leaders from dozens of AISA schools.
Read MoreYoung learners at COJOWA (Colegio Jorge Washington in Cartagena, Colombia), are embarking on a journey to raise awareness about water conservation, and their enthusiasm is nothing short of inspiring. Partnering with Inspire Citizens, the school's preschool initiative, known as the Maternal Water Project, is making waves in early childhood education.
Read MoreThe one-year GCC program is designed to equip educators with the knowledge, tools, and mindsets needed to encourage thoughtful, innovative, and engaged global citizens in our classrooms. Modules begin by asking educators to pause and reflect, thinking about how “the way out is in” when it comes to holistic global citizenship. In this article, read about one teacher’s journey with the GCC.
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