Global Exchange Opportunity for 6th – 9th Grade Educators in DC, Maryland, and Virginia
World Smarts Changemakers joins middle and high school students in Guatemala and the United States for conversational language learning in online collaboration spaces. Students form binational teams and design solutions for real problems, facilitated by classroom teachers trained in WSC’s curriculum focused on UN Sustainable Development Goals, design thinking, and conversations. Throughout the project-based learning experience, participants develop skills such as digital literacy, cross-cultural communication, cooperation, and critical thinking. After each cohort, participants participate in the Community Celebration and Student Celebration event, which is a showcase of sustainable solutions and celebration of conversational moves and foundational skills.
World Smarts Changemakers is funded by the Stevens Initiative, which is housed at the Aspen Institute and is supported by the Bezos Family Foundation. The program is implemented by IREX with partnership from Empresarios por la Educación.
About the Stevens Initiative
The Stevens Initiative is an international movement whose mission is to enhance global understanding by connecting young people through virtual exchange, giving them critical skills for prosperity and encouraging friendships along the way. Created in 2015 as a lasting tribute to Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, the Initiative invests in virtual exchange programs; shares research, resources, and promising practices to improve impact; and advocates for broader adoption. Learn more: https://www.stevensinitiative.org/
6th – 9th Grade educators in the Washington DC Metro Area can apply to facilitate a bi-national team.
Eligibility requirements
- Current 6th – 9th grade educators in Washington D.C., Maryland, or Virginia
Facilitator Responsibilities
The facilitator will:
- Incorporate the curriculum in class with approximately 20 students. Curriculum fits well with Dual Language Programs in Spanish and English, Civics, Global Studies, Social Change classes and any subject with a project-based learning focus.
- Participate in a virtual workshop on implementing the World Smarts Changemakers Curriculum, cross-cultural training, inclusive education strategies, technology implementation, and virtual project-based learning;
- Collaborate effectively with their co-facilitator in Guatemala to coach their binational team and complete the challenge milestones together;
- Connect with IREX staff on ongoing communications and support;
- Manage and implement the team’s virtual and in-person instruction and collaboration throughout the challenge;
Benefits for Facilitators
- $500 honorarium upon program completion;
- Funds for team supplies
- Fully developed and bilingual program guides;
- Dedicated staff support, including weekly, one-on-one coaching sessions from IREX throughout the challenge;
- Certificate of Completion;
- Upon successful completion of the program, participants join a network of Stevens Initiative alumni, unlocking opportunities for their continued learning and development including regular newsletters and access to Localized, an online professional development platform;
- Skills development in facilitating global citizenship and innovation;
"World Smarts Changemakers has brought me new opportunities in my career. It allowed me to challenge my teaching skills and increase myself confidence. I have seen the opportunities to connect and share with students from other cultures. I have realized that technology is a powerful tool that can help us reach anything that seems beyond our capacity.”
- Ivanna Ramirez, World Smarts 2024 Facilitator
Timeline and Time Commitment
Facilitators will be expected to contribute 2-4 hours per week to the World Smarts Changemakers program.
*Note that program events may be subject to change
November 4, 2024: Applications Open
December 8, 2024: Application Deadline
Mid - December 2024: Notification
Mid-January 2025: Virtual Facilitator Training
February - May 2025: Virtual Exchange Program
How to Apply
Applications will be open from November 4 – December 8, 2024
Application Deadline
December 8, 2024
Contact
For more information, contact worldsmartsprogram@irex.org