Teaching Resources
Teaching Resources
Embedded Files
Here is a collection of documents that bring a global and local perspective to teaching. Some I created through various fellowships and others come from my favorite professional resources.
My Lessons, Units, and PDs
My Lessons, Units, and PDs
Below are some examples of how I have begun to incorporate Global Learning competencies and strategies in my teaching for middle schoolers (grades 6-8). Be sure to open the docs listed "for educator planning" to see links to other great resources.
Visual Thinking Strategy Lesson Plan
(for educator planning)
Visual Thinking Strategy Lesson Plan
(for educator planning)
Here is a lesson plan that uses a simple Visual Thinking Strategy and engaging current events photos from the New York Times. For my Fulbright TGS program, I partnered with another teacher in another state on this activity; however, it's possible to adapt this protocol to any grade and content area, regardless of whether you partner with another classroom or not.
Culturally Responsive Education PD
(for use with colleagues)
Culturally Responsive Education PD
(for use with colleagues)
Global Education overlaps with so many existing frameworks that it makes for a simple shift in what many of us area already doing. My school's literacy department was conducting an inquiry into whether our curriculum was culturally responsive, so I created this PD deck to help show the similarities in approaches and some next steps.
Empatico Exchange Pre and Post-work
(for use with students)
Empatico Exchange Pre and Post-work
(for use with students)
I teach Special Education so front-loading and scaffolding are essential for my students' success in any activity. For this activity, I used Empatico, a free virtual classroom exchange tool, to connect my students with a classroom in Florida. This was from our first exchange that centered on introductions and listening skills.
Current Events/Argument Unit Plan
(for educator planning)
Current Events/Argument Unit Plan
(for educator planning)
Before becoming a Fulbright TGC, I conducted an argument skills unit in a very teacher-led way: I selected the articles and the perspectives for my students, and I expected everyone to produce an essay. The TGC process led me to think differently about this unit and to open it up to become more student-led and collaborative.
Black Trailblazers Advisory Unit
(for educator planning)
Black Trailblazers Advisory Unit
(for educator planning)
My Advisory class was a place where I could continue experimenting with inquiry, but I also wanted something that centered Black joy (to counter the heaviness in our study of the Civil War/slavery and the novel Nightjohn) as well as to highlight intersectional trailblazers and changemakers in our world.
Interactive Google Slides
(for use with students/adults)
Interactive Google Slides
(for use with students/adults)
When I have mentored for the National Education Association Foundations Global Learning Fellows program, I would create an interactive map based on where the fellows were headed as their international field experience destination. I thought it was a fun way to digitally explore a new country. This one was based on the 2021 cohort's trip to Peru.
Local Inspiration
Local Inspiration
We've all heard the phrase "Think Globally, Act Locally." We also know that students learn the best when they get to be an active participant in addressing real-world issues and being supported by caring adults. Here are some resources that are based in New York City, specifically Manhattan, that help showcase this idea of "glocal."
World's Largest Lesson Community Action Plan - This is one example of how to include a neighborhood or community walk into a lesson about local assets and needs. (Click "Download" to find the whole progression of lesson plans.)
Harlem Grown and Eagle Street Rooftop Farm are two urban farm sites in New York City. They offer field trips so students can learn about ecology, sustainability, and urban agriculture.
Walk With Amal is the performance art organization that took the puppet Little Amal on a 9,000 km journey to represent the plight of refugees worldwide. In the fall of 2022, Amal spent time in New York City at different "little walk" events. The website has some great educational activities around migration, climate, home, and others.
Riverside Park Conservancy - This organization allows groups of students to volunteer in park cleanup events. It is a great service learning opportunity to talk with park employees about environmental stewardship.
New Victory Theater - This theater has excellent programming for K-12 students, and many of their shows have global themes presented by international companies. They have a partnership with local schools to offer low-cost tickets and professional development. They have good online resources too, even if you're not in NYC.
More Inspiration
More Inspiration
These are resources from national and international organizations that I turn to as starting points for how to infuse more global competence into my teaching.
Harvard's Project Zero Thinking Routines are excellent to browse through. You will definitely find something that you already partially use or that can help you go even deeper in classroom analysis.
Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. (2017). Essentials of Dialogue: Guidance and activities for teaching and practising dialogue with young people. Read Chapter 1: “What is Dialogue?” pages 9-21 and Chapter 5: “How to Facilitate,” pages 57-61. I've used the "What Went Well" and "Even Better If" post-discussion reflection protocol with my 7th graders, and I was happy with how honest and thoughtful my students were. Definitely recommend!
SEL Activities that Promote Global Citizenship & Learning - Whether you have a stand-alone Advisory or Homeroom class or you'd like to infuse these into your content area, some of these activities are widely applicable. I personally love the "One for All" activity. I've done it with stickers instead of chips, and students allocated their stickers on a world map in response to learning about natural disasters that occurred in the world during one year.
Global Competency in Multiple Settings - This site is showcases experiential activities (games, discussions, etc.) developed by four NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellows, and each of their contributions tie in to the UN SDGs.
Geoguesser - This online game is a fun way to build geography skills, especially if you have a few minutes before the bell rings. ;)
Want to know or share more?
Want to know or share more?
I'd be happy to hear from you if you have questions about these resources, or if you would like to share some of your own materials and suggestions with me. Click any of the buttons below to drop me a line.
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