What is global education? 

Global education is an approach to teaching and learning that prepares students to understand and engage with the world beyond their local context. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of people, places, and systems, encouraging students to explore global issues, diverse cultures, and multiple perspectives. Through this lens, students develop key skills such as collaboration, as they work with peers across cultures; empathy, by understanding and valuing different lived experiences; global awareness, through studying real-world challenges like climate change, inequality, or access to education; and communication, by expressing ideas clearly and listening actively across differences.

Global education also cultivates problem-solving and critical thinking, empowering students to analyze complex issues and consider responsible, informed actions. By integrating 21st century skills—such as creativity, digital literacy, and cross-cultural understanding—global education equips learners to thrive in a rapidly changing, interconnected world and to contribute positively as engaged, compassionate global citizens. 

Below is a list of resources to evaluate how you and your school are implementing global education. A great resource to start with is the Globally Competent Teaching Curriculum. It is simple to understand, yet very thorough and comprehensive. It displays a rubric with various elements to consider, and focuses on three main areas: teacher dispositions, teacher knowledge, and teacher skills. A second resource to start with is the Global Education Checklist. It poses simple, yet thought-provoking questions regarding student knowledge on global issues, questions for principals, teachers, and community leaders, and questions for superintendents, curriculum directors, and academic specialists. Please also refer to my education blog post regarding the importance of global collaboration.