Our Peru Crew quickly became surrogate family. The energy and passion of this group is contagious. All of these educators want to connect their students to global opportunities whether it is through language studies, science, math, business, or technology. Our desire is to open doors to possibility in PERU and at HOME.
My introduction to global education began quite serendipitously. As an ELA teacher, I am constantly looking for opportunities for my students to use their voices and encouraging them to explore topics that concern them. Little did I know student winners in a contest would allow me to travel halfway around the world. Travel, as Mark Twain quips, is 'fatal' to small-mindedness, and it certainly gave me a much richer, more meaningful understanding of the value of community, as well as citizenship. If you want to find purpose and direction, step foot outside of your comfort zone! That first international travel convinced me I must find ways to introduce my students to the world.
After spending most of my career in business, I teach English Language Arts at Boiling Springs Middle School in Boiling Springs, South Carolina. Because I started in business, I believe I understand the critical need for our students to view themselves as global citizens with proficiencies in 21st-century skills-communication, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration in technology. Our young people will find relevance and purpose in education through this growing awareness that will fling wide the doors of opportunity!