DCPS Global Education Newsletter: February 2024 

January was an exciting time for global education in DCPS! We kicked off the year by announcing Summer 2024 study abroad students, acknowledging the winners of an international writing contest, taking in student presentations that focused on making a difference on global issues and highlighting diversity and culture by celebrating the Lunar New Year. This month, we're continuing to celebrate our diverse student populations by celebrating Black History Month with our schools. Stay tuned for upcoming events and opportunities that we can't wait to share with you. 

Not one but two DCPS students won first place for their age groups in the Local Letters for Global Change! This contest invites K-12 students from around the world to explore questions around pressing global issues and use Pulitzer Center reporting to find solutions. This year, they received nearly 800 entries from 15 countries, 26 U.S. states, and the District of Columbia—their most geographically diverse entry pool to date. Congratulations! Congratulations! 

- Miqueas Ramirez De La Rosa, 11th grade, Benjamin Banneker High School, D.C., First Place, High School Category, Letter on labor exploitation and racial justice.  

- Claire Marble (pictured), 4th grade, Ross Elementary School, D.C., First Place, Elementary School Category, Letter on flooding 

Calvin Coolidge High School students were excited to share their AP Seminar Public Presentations in partnership with the George Washington University Law School’s Animal Law Program. The event showcased the impressive work of high school students as they presented their research on various topics including animal law and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The students shared their findings and insights on how we could build a more sustainable and equitable future for all living beings. The day was an inspiring one as everyone celebrated the hard work and dedication of these bright young minds. 

The event was a colorful and vibrant celebration of the rich culture and traditions of Lunar New Year. It featured a fashion show, traditional song and dance performance, and authentic snacks. Overall, the event was a wonderful showcase of Asian culture and tradition. It was a joyful celebration that brought the community together and left everyone with a greater appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our world. 

_{Image: Credit to Mr. Kwame Adu-Wusu}

Congratulations to the 106 students who made it through the rigorous application process and were accepted into the 2024 study abroad program. Accepted students from across the district will travel to five different global locations this summer: Taiwan, Spain/Morocco, France, Costa Rica, and the Outer Banks. The programs have a variety of themes, including language immersion, cultural immersion, and STEM. We are excited to offer this unique opportunity to our students and have already begun the pre-departure preparations for travel. 

_{Image: 3 Selected Students from Wheatley Education Campus.}

Fulbright Exchange Programs – apply by 2/19/2024

K-12 educators and administrators from the US and participating countries and territories have an incredible opportunity with the Fulbright Exchange programs. With multiple options available, including the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Research Program, Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program, and Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools. Each of these programs provides unique opportunities for educators to expand their knowledge, broaden their perspectives, and improve their teaching skills. Explore the programs and apply today.

 

 

Discovery Days at the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art – multiple dates

Plan for a day of discovery and experiential learning with your students through gallery activities and interactions with pop-up museum educators. Lunch and bus accommodation can be arranged upon request. Discovery Day dates are February 21, March 13, April 24, and May 29. Email AsiaTeachers@si.edu with questions. Learn more click here. To register at click here. 

 

Research Experience for Teachers (RET) - apply by 2/29/24 

Smithsonian announced their Research Experiences for Teachers program this summer! This is your chance to work alongside our scientists for six weeks in either a field or lab research setting, while engaging in professional development activities with expert Smithsonian educators. By participating, you'll gain new insights and ideas to bring hands-on science to your classrooms, with a summer stipend and extra funds for classroom activities included. Take advantage of this opportunity to further your knowledge in #ScienceEducation and #RET! Apply here.

 

Keizai Koho Center (KKC) Teacher Study Tour to Japan – apply by 3/1/24 

The Keizai Koho Center (KKC) and the National Association of Japan-America Societies (NAJAS) offer a fully funded summer study program in Japan for US and Canadian secondary social studies teachers. The program includes visits to Japanese schools, companies, and cultural events, as well as a home stay with a Japanese family. Fellowship recipients are required to create a curricular project and share their experience with their local schools and communities. For more information and to apply, click here. 

 

IREX World Smarts STEM Workshop for Educators - apply by 3/8/24 

On May 16 – 17, 2024, The International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) will host the World Smarts STEM Workshop for Educators at the Madison Hotel in Washington DC. Led by experts in the field, this interactive event is designed to enrich K-12 educators through skill-building sessions on globalizing classrooms while building students’ STEM and 21st century skills and implementing virtual exchange with schools locally and globally. Learn more and apply today!  

 

Activating Through Place: Developing Voice & Agency Through Learning about Environmental Justice – apply by 3/15/24 

The PD Collaborative is offering a free seminar series in collaboration with the National Park Service. The seminar series is aimed at helping DC teachers to incorporate environmental justice into their curriculum, as well as deepen their students' understanding of climate change and sense of taking action. The seminar series will take place June 25-27 on the National Mall and is open to all DC teachers who work with children from ages 3-18. Apply here. 

 

The DC Teacher Solutions Summit – register before 3/16/24 

Registration is now open for EmpowerEd's big spring event, the 3rd annual DC Teacher Solutions Summit which will be held Saturday March 16th from 10:30 am to 2 pm at Open Gov Hub (1100 13th St. NW Suite 800). The event is an opportunity to hear from diverse DC educators and teacher leaders who will share their powerful solutions to pressing education challenges in the district through interactive poster presentations and live sessions. You can sign up here to present your idea (it's very low prep) or register here to attend.  

 

Insight’s Ex-Ed Leaders Abroad in Thailand - apply by 4/30/24 

A 9-day funded global program for educators in experiential education. The program brings together thought leaders and changemakers from around the world to build a vibrant community dedicated to shaping the future of experiential learning. The Summer 2024 program in Thailand will focus on themes such as Thai culture, social enterprises and impact, best practices in experiential learning, location scouting and community building. All in-country costs are covered by Insight's Professional Development Fund for educators. Learn more and apply here.

 

Washington International School Summer Institute for Teachers (WISSIT) - register by 6/30/2024 

The 11th annual WISSIT, will take place August 5-9, 2024, at WIS's Primary School campus in north Georgetown (next to Duke Ellington School of the Arts). WISSIT assists educators in creating powerful, enduring learning experiences for all learners; in exploring complex topics in engaging and meaningful ways; and in raising young people's voices and fostering civic agency. Scholarships are available for teachers from Title I settings. To learn more and register, visit this site. 

 

LEGO® Build the Change - multiple dates  

There are two ways to get involved in the LEGO Build the Change and the Take Action Global programs. The first is to join a LEGO Build the Change Institute cohort (for educators of grades 5-8). Registration for the 2023-2024 Institutes is now open! Join at no cost and benefit from professional development, resources, and certification. The program includes playful learning, design challenges, and access to global educators. If you're not teaching grades 5-8 or aren't ready to participate in a full cohort, don't worry! You can still get involved through mini-missions. Visit the website to learn more and join today! 

 

Global Up Americas (AFS) - ongoing 

AFS-USA received a grant from the Stevens Initiative in conjunction with our international partners to offer 20+ high school classrooms a fully funded virtual exchange experience in Spanish, English, or a combination this academic year. AFS Mexico and AFS Colombia are excited to join us in pairing up classrooms. Learn more here and complete the interest form TODAY!   

American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) National Essay Contest – apply by 4/1/24 

High school students in grades 9-12 are invited to participate in an annual essay contest to learn about US Foreign Service, with a chance to win $2,500, a trip to DC, and a Semester at Sea voyage. The 2024 topic is to identify the biggest challenge facing the Foreign Service and how American diplomats can help mitigate it in a 1000-1500-word essay. For more information, the downloadable 2024 Essay Contest Study Guide and to apply visit the website.  

 

Become a Fact-ivst For the Global Goals – ongoing 

Participate in shaping education trends for 2024! You are invited to participate by visiting the Fact-ivism website and creating a card to share your own ideas on what should be 'in' or 'out' in education. The World’s Largest Lesson is excited to showcase your cards on our social media platforms, celebrating the diversity of opinions and insights from our valued audience. Teachers can also use the lesson plan to help students develop their posters.  

 

Study Abroad Opportunities and Scholarships - ongoing 

The US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs provides scholarships for US high school students to study abroad in more than 25 countries. These programs enhance students' foreign language skills, cross-cultural understanding, confidence, and leadership capacity, and foster new academic insights and ambitions. The CBYX, NSLI-Y, and Youth Ambassadors programs are accepting applications and applicants must be between 15 and 18.5 years old when the program starts. For more information, visit the website or email youthprograms@state.gov.