Understanding the Year Ahead
Understanding the Year Ahead Becoming a global educator, global citizen or global school does not happen overnight. It is an interesting, eyeopening journey that transforms teachers, students and schools. As the leader of a new global school, here is a quick look at what you and your teachers can expect and how VIF will support you.
What does it take to become a global educator? A willingness to grow. Here’s how your teachers can do it: ● Enhance knowledge through completion of four PD modules per year . ○ Topics are designed to gradually deepen knowledge. ○ Content introduces concepts, ideas and resources to use in global classrooms. ○ Educators may work individually or with their teams. ○ Each module is estimated at 10 hours of investment based on reading content, lesson planning and lesson implementation. ○ Module completion requires creation of global inquiry lessons accompanied by student learning products as evidence of implementation. ○ Digital badges are awarded upon completion of each module and contain links to criteria met and work submitted for the module. ○ A yearend global designation badge is awarded upon completion of four modules. Create and engage with global networks outside of their own classrooms and school. ○ Engagement in the VIF digital platform allows teacher to connect and collaborate with other global educators. ○ Teachers can share resources, seek new ideas and discuss their global development on the platform. ○ There are numerous opportunities to participate in VIF webinars and group discussions on a variety of topics. Develop an open mind. ○ Teachers will be learning along with their students. ○ The process is a journey, not a destination. ○ Teachers will consider objectives and standards through a global lens and will be asked to step outside of their comfort zones. ○ Background knowledge is not a prerequisite, rather teachers will be supported in building global knowledge through the modules.
What does it take to lead a successful global school? Strong and consistent leadership. Here’s how you can do it: ● Establish the the vision for being a global school. ○ Teachers are involved every step of the way. ○ Implement global kickoff events at the beginning of the year to engage teachers. ○ Approach being a global community both physically and academically.
Serve as an example through your own development as a global leader. ○ Expand global networks through connections and collaborations with other administrators. ○ Use the VIF Global Leader Roadmap and content to guide global leadership. ○ Establish a global committee. ○ Be present in global planning sessions, classrooms and on the VIF digital platform. ○ Engage with the challenges in the VIF Adventurers hub. Set the tone and expectations for your staff. ○ Convey that the process is a marathon not a sprint. ○ Create expectations for all teachers to complete VIF PD, use the resources on the VIF platform, and engage with the VIF Adventurer challenges. ○ Assure teachers of and create systems for following up with them as they progress through their professional development. ○ Highlight the value of digital badging to staff as they develop as global educators.
How will the VIF digital platform support your staff? Professional Development PD is provided in manageable increments over time. Gradually deepens knowledge. Introduces skills needed to implement lessons with a global focus. Provides evidence of teacher learning and ability to track progress over time.
Participate Learning Resources Readytouse lesson plans and classroom resources. Opportunities to publish and share global lesson plans with educators around the world. Resource collections created by fellow educators. Access to a wide variety of Twitter chats and their curated resource lists.
