The Reich College of Education has partnered with Participate Learning to offer a Global Leaders Scholars program.
This program will support students to become globally competent leaders, providing the understanding of what it means to be a member of a global community as well as how to take action to improve their local and global community.
Impactful global learning happens in a school when global issues and concepts are meaningfully woven into academic learning -- not an add-on or separate subject area. By infusing global learning opportunities across grade levels, subjects, and school-wide activities, the scholars will develop the skills and competencies needed to unite with others around the world, develop new solutions to global challenges and therefore lead and thrive in the world community and global marketplace.
Using Participate Learning’s online platform, the Global Leaders Scholars will complete a series of online professional development learning experiences over the course of three semesters.
The first series will serve as an introduction to global leadership and will help the scholars cultivate a sense of global leadership in themselves and in their future students. The second series will focus on global instructional practices. Scholars will learn how to create inclusive classrooms, build relevance, promote student agency, and connect students beyond the classroom. The third series will culminate into an action project that the scholars will share at a global showcase.
Scholars will also participate in a professional learning community alongside current in-service educators.
Twenty-eight scholars were selected based on a competitive application process. Upon completion of the program, they will earn digital credentials and badging as well as a global leaders certificate that will be endorsed by the Reich College of Education and Participate Learning.
Meet the Global Leaders Scholars
Zoe Balson, from Asheville, North Carolina, is a secondary mathematics education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“I have always had a passion for teaching and helping others to overcome challenges. I also have been profoundly impacted by many amazing teachers who model true sacrifice, love, and hard work. This inspires me to do the same for my own students. While in high school I had the opportunity to serve as a teacher's assistant in a third-grade special education classroom. My time with the students convinced me that no other profession will be as challenging, beautiful, and fulfilling as education. I applied to be a Global Leaders Scholar because of my goal to grow in wisdom, understanding, empathy, preparedness, and confidence as a person and teacher. Educators have the opportunity to leave an immeasurable, lasting impact on their students. I want mine to be a good one. I am so grateful for the experience and connections that the GLS program will provide me with!”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom?
“I believe the GLS program will enable me to relate the concepts I teach to real-world issues and encourage my students to think critically. It will better enable me to empower my students with the knowledge that their voices and unique perspectives matter. I am excited to become a changemaker within education and hope to equip my future students to be changemakers in their own realms.”
Cheyenne Banister, from Serene, Illinois, is a middle grades education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“Growing up wanting to teach made my college decision rather simple for me because I knew which program I needed to look into - middle grades education concentrating in math or science. I also dreamed of going out-of-state to college. Together, these factors led me to Appalachian State University, where I would not only check the box of being out-of-state, but I would also get to major in middle grades education, concentrating in both math AND science. I applied to be a Global Leaders Scholar because I want to become the best teacher I could possibly be for my students. Knowing my background and having gone to the same school from kindergarten through senior year, I did not grow up in much diversity. All the teachers taught the same way and had been at my school for several years. All the students had basically grown up together and knew each others' families. All that to say, I came to college and felt like there was a lot I still needed to expose myself to and learn before I entered the classroom wearing the teacher hat. Applying to be a Global Leaders Scholar was my attempt at exposing myself to new people, ideas, and methods.”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom?
“I plan to use this knowledge to better reach students of all appearances and backgrounds. I think field experiences and my own classroom can be treated similarly in the sense that I will use the new ideas and methods to help progress as a prospective teacher. This approach and desire will be reflected in my lesson plans, through the language I use, as well as interactions I have with students.”
Carson Blalock, from Butner, North Carolina, is a middle grades education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“I was drawn to App State because of the importance they put on the college of education. The Appalachian Community of Education Scholars (ACES) also seemed like the perfect opportunity to become the best educator I could be! Once I was accepted into that program I knew this was the best place for me to continue my education. I applied to be a Global Leaders Scholar because I believe in creating a more inclusive community in and out of the classroom. This is the perfect opportunity for me to grow as a leader, but also as a member of society in order to make my classroom as global a place as it can be!”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom?
“I am excited to begin incorporating what I learn in the classroom as soon as possible whether that be a field experience or as a future teacher. I want to apply the knowledge I gain from this program in a variety of ways in my own classroom. I want to be able to pass on what I have learned here to my students so they can learn that there is more to the world than what they experience. An adventure can be waiting around the corner!”
Gabby Buck, from Mebane, North Carolina, is a secondary history/social studies education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“When I toured App State, everyone was so nice and inviting, which made me feel like I belonged at App State. I chose to major in education because I want to share my passion for history with others and inspire students to find their passion. I had some amazing teachers that helped me grow in life and I want to do that for my students. I applied to be a Global Leaders Scholar because, once I graduate, I want to be a teacher that connects students to the world and gives them the ability to explore different cultures. I also want to be a teacher that can be a role model to students and help them become active members of society.”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom?
“I hope to incorporate this opportunity in my classroom by teaching students about other cultures of the world and how they can experience and appreciate them. I also want to implement ways for students to help their communities, like giving them opportunities to go out and help those around them.”
Lauren Caporaso, from Apex, North Carolina, is an elementary education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“I am a transfer student from Wilmington and never thought I would choose App State as my college, but I visited and immediately felt at home and welcomed and knew that this was my place! I chose teacher education as my major because I want to be able to make a difference as well as show the younger generation the things I wasn't shown or taught in school. The excitement I have from knowing in two years I will have a classroom of my own to show future students what a safe space is as well as so many other things. I applied to be a Global Leaders Scholar to learn more about how to incorporate certain aspects into the classroom as well as learn as much as possible in order to teach future students! I want to be able to be the best educator I can and this program will assist with that.”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom - both field experiences and after graduation?
“I hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in my classroom by using what I was taught. I applied for this program and attend the field experiences in order to learn best practices to educate future students. I will be able to incorporate the information learned through lesson plans, and student social interactions, as well as be able to connect with students and their different learning styles. There is so much to learn and I am so excited to learn from this program!”
Sarah Danner, from Matthews, North Carolina, is an elementary education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“Everyone always mentioned how community oriented and driven the people of App State are! Community is something I highly value and thrive off of. I also value how teachers get to provide a loving, safe community for students that they don't always get at home. My hope is that if I can see greatness within my students, they soon will too! I chose to apply to be a global leaders scholar because I want to educate myself on how to make my future students feel connected and important in our world!”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom - both field experiences and after graduation?
“Once I'm able to spark a sense of importance and connection to the world in my future students, they will come to class engaged and excited to impact the world.”
Alex Greene, from Wilmington, North Carolina, is a Spanish education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“The outstanding education program and the fact that they offer my specific major are the main things that drew me to App State. I also really wanted to be in the mountains and appreciated App State's commitment to sustainability. I have known for most of my life that I want to be a teacher. I simply want to share my love of learning with others and create a safe space in my classroom where all students feel welcome and included. I can't picture myself doing anything else. I applied to be a Global Leaders Scholar because I wanted to strengthen my mindset as a global educator and formulate ways in which I can incorporate these ideas into my classroom. I would also like the opportunity to engage with and learn from other students who are passionate about global education as well.”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom?
“I hope to provide my students with opportunities to interact with their community and explore global issues. My goal is that they will gain an appreciation and deeper understanding of other cultures and the value of our differing identities.”
Dylan Gudac, from Asheville, North Carolina, is a secondary history/social studies education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“App State is known for being one of the best universities for future teachers. I have always loved history growing up, so I knew I wanted to pursue a career in that field. Then as I was leaving high school, I was able to reflect on the impact several of my teachers made on me and I wanted to be able to give that back to others. I applied for the Global Scholars program because I felt this was a great opportunity to expand my horizons and gain a new tool to use in my future classroom.”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom?
“I hope to be able to give my future students a broader and more understanding of how our world works and functions; I want to be able to best prepare them as they're about to enter society.”
Lakyn Halliday, from Winston Salem, North Carolina, is a middle grades education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“I chose App because it is the number one teaching school on the east coast; if teaching is my career path then I might as well go to the number one school. Being a part of the Global Scholars program will help me have another perspective on the world and education.”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom?
“I plan to have and inspire an open mind to knowledge and new experiences in my future students.”
Matthew Hylton, from Shallotte, North Carolina, is a secondary history/social studies education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“I chose to major in teacher education because I want to help students learn about history and expand their knowledge in a meaningful way. There were several job options with a history degree but only teacher education puts me in the best position to change lives. I applied to the program to have help in teaching my students that they are active participants in the world and their actions will make a difference.”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom?
“The professional development will give me a constructive lens for my field experiences that will let me prepare for the classroom. When teaching it will help involve students directly in the world; I will need fun activities to help students know their place in the world, and I will need guidance in how to teach them.”
Nadine Jallal, from Knightdale, North Carolina, is a secondary English education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“The teacher education program at App State is the best in the state, and I knew if I wanted to be valued as a teacher education major, App State is the only institution that will do that for me. Schooling is arguably one of the most important and extensive experiences in a child's life and I knew I had to be a part of that. If my teaching, and especially teaching something I love, can impact a child positively, then I will feel fulfilled and like I am making a difference. As soon as I heard about the Global Leaders program, I knew I wanted to apply because of the values and mission they are pushing. As a person of color and education major, I am passionate about inclusivity in the classroom and a big part of that is providing students with a global education. Global education and fostering students to become global citizens will help my future students learn how to respectfully interact with cultures and paths of life that differ from their own.”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom?
“I hope to incorporate what I learn in this program by rethinking my curriculum in a way that exposes students to the global ideas I learn about in this program. I will be an English teacher, so I will use the resources in this program to inform what kind of literature I use in my classroom.”
Reece Lancer, from Centereach, New York, is a secondary English education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“I chose App State because it is a phenomenal school for teaching. My English teachers growing up were truly an inspiration for me. I wanted to take my own passion for literature and hopefully impact students in the same way my teachers have impacted me. I chose to apply to be a Global Leaders scholar because I wanted to be able to provide the best teaching possible to my students, and the techniques that are taught through this program I feel would benefit both me as an educator and my students as learners.”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom?
“I hope to use this professional development opportunity to also help develop my peers around me who didn't experience it, whether during a field experience we have together or we work together at the same school.”
Averi Martin, from Sanford, North Carolina, is a secondary history/social studies education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“App State has one of the best teaching programs in the country. When touring the school, I was able to talk with one of the professors, and he explained that at App State, ‘we don't teach you what to think, but rather how to think’. This is the mindset I want to have as a teacher. My favorite teachers throughout my education have shaped my love for learning. I want to pass down what they have taught me and be a mentor to future generations. I am always looking for ways to better myself as a future teacher, and this program was exactly what I was looking for. As a Global Leaders Scholar, I will be better equipped to integrate cultural ideas and customs into my teaching strategies.”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom?
“My main goal as a future teacher is to provide a safe and welcoming atmosphere for my students. If a student does not feel safe, they will not be open to learning. This program will teach me how to ensure each of my students feel represented in the classroom, which will allow them to feel seen and heard.”
Benjamin McKinney, from Spruce Pine, North Carolina, is a middle Grades education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“The integration within the town of Boone, combining the college stylings but also coupling it with the small town life I'm used to from back home. I chose to major in education as I felt it suited me as a person, it allows me to be a role model to future generations and hopefully be able to make a difference in at least one person's life. I applied to hone my craft as an educator, as well as to foster a global-minded attitude towards teaching and the needed skills to share these values with my future students.”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom?
“I intend to use these skills to help my students learn to foster a sense of community within the classroom, alongside spreading the virtues of a world-focused mindset and the needs of the student as a global citizen.”
Sophia Ordonez, from Southport, North Carolina, is an elementary education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“I chose Appalachian because I fell in love with the community and environment here. The students and teachers are so welcoming and made me feel like I belonged from the first moment I walked on campus. Also, being a member of the ACES program led me to choose Appalachian. I was honored to be a part of a program where I can create relationships with other education majors and have opportunities to advance my leadership skills. ACES has already made such a positive impact on my college experience, and I am so grateful to be a part of it. I chose to major in education because I have been volunteering as a surf instructor for a non-profit organization that gives free surf lessons to children that can’t afford them since I was in middle school. I realized early on that I actually enjoyed giving lessons more than I enjoyed surfing myself. I have a passion for teaching, for seeing children succeed, and am eager to learn more. Giving surf lessons helped me realize that I wanted to be a teacher, where hopefully I can help many children find a passion of their own. I chose to apply to be a Global Leaders Scholar because I grew up in a bicultural home where I was constantly exposed to diverse dialects, values, traditions, and lifestyles. This has given me a unique perspective and shown me the importance of having a global mindset. It is so important that we learn about and understand the world around us, in order to understand ourselves and our place in this world. I want to be a Global Leaders Scholar so I can learn how to best represent my world, and how I can teach others to do the same.”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom?
“By developing skills to become a global leader, I will be well prepared to bring global issues and diversity into my own classroom, something that I value. It is so important for students of all ages to learn about other cultures and experiences from around the world, to help them become more open-minded, informed, and adaptable.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“After graduating, I hope to join the Peace Corps or another international volunteer-based program as a teacher. I hope to combine my passions for teaching, traveling, and helping others to give children who may not have access to a proper education the opportunity to learn.”
Patricia Polinski, from Burgaw, North Carolina, is an elementary education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“I was drawn into App State for a variety of reasons. Primarily, the chance for potential communities and the opportunities offered by App State. I had an experience with Summer Ventures with App state, where I saw education majors who had a community that lasted them beyond college, and that's what I desired. I have a passion for education. I volunteered as a Girl Scout Program Aide, where I worked with children, leading them in activities such as songs and outdoor skills. This eventually turned into a job as a camp counselor. My life experiences inspired me to try to become a teacher and my campers caused me to decide to choose to major in teacher education. I love those children and they affirmed my love of teaching. In simple terms, I chose my major so I can work hand in hand with children. I applied to be a Global Leaders Scholar so that I could become a more globally-minded teacher and best support students. I am working towards becoming a teacher who can support all students and inspire students to think of the world as bigger than themselves.”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom?
“I hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in my classroom - both field experiences and after graduation by teaching children about global education and inspiring them to get involved. Children who are shown by teachers how to feel connected to the world will be children who are more open and can make a difference in the world.”
What are your plans after graduation?
“After I graduate, I plan to get my North Carolina Environmental Education Certificate and get a job in education. If an opportunity is available, I hope to get a job in outdoor education so I can teach children outdoors for a living.”
Katlyn Poole, from McLeansville, North Carolina, is an elementary education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“I was drawn to App State because of the amazing education program. I also loved that every time I visited students, faculty, and everyone were so kind to me so it just felt like the right place for me. Throughout my years in school, I had really amazing teachers who encouraged me every day, had so much patience, and truly loved all of their students and their job. After having these role models and always loving school and working with kids it was a natural choice for me because I want to be the person that makes my students feel seen, heard, encouraged, and loved. I applied to be a Global Leaders Scholar because I want to be the best teacher I can possibly be, and I feel that by learning about education from a global perspective I will be able to offer my students the best version of myself. I also felt that this opportunity would teach me so much and allow me to make genuine and authentic connections with each of my students and to facilitate these positive relationships between my students and their peers.”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom?
“I hope to incorporate what I learn during this professional development opportunity in the classroom by making small shifts in everyday learning to open up conversations about culture and our differences. I also hope to use what I learn to have all of my students feel that our classroom is a place where they feel represented, a place where they can express themselves freely and authentically, and be proud of who they are.”
Dawkins Reynolds, from Lexington, North Carolina, is majoring in elementary education.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“I was drawn to App State because of their inclusion. I identify as a lesbian, so this was a major part of which college I chose to attend. They have many different clubs for members of the LGBTQ+ community; as well as the large community that supports us. I chose to major in education because teaching always felt like a calling to me. I was always inspired by my teachers and wanted to be one ever since I was young. I have explored other majors, but none of them felt like the right fit! I applied to be a Global Leaders Scholar because I want to learn more about classrooms around the globe and be able to incorporate those new skills and ways of thinking when I enter my own classroom. This program is a way to educate myself and become a better leader. “
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom?
“I hope to incorporate new skills, useful classroom management tools, and different ways of teaching. This opportunity is going to broaden my views of teaching and why I want to be an educator.”
Athena Ross, from Grover, North Carolina, is an elementary education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“My story is unique because, during my senior year of high school, I did not think teaching was for me. I was heading into a career in engineering, and I was not necessarily excited about it, but then I did a senior project. All my life, I wanted to be a teacher but the money aspect had turned me away. As a senior in high school, I was job shadowing at an elementary school, and I turned out to be having the best time of my life in a classroom with kids who laughed during quieter moments. I felt so much joy interacting with and helping them learn. Then everything changed and I decided that no matter the money, I would love to be directly impacting future generations and it would make me so happy. I applied to be a Global Leaders Scholar because this opportunity is incredible as a prospective teacher. This will help me to show my students that one step at a time we can all grow. I saw that in this program I am learning about educating while also learning about how to globally educate. Both of these things seemed like such an incredible opportunity and I could not pass it up.”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom?
“In my field experiences, I want to value the differences of everyone inside my classroom walls and even beyond that, have empathy towards every student and their perspective, and to be able to know that we as a school are connected because we all have a place in this world. After graduation, I want to think more critically about the world around me and how to educate my students on the truth. I want to help students to be curious and know that they can change the world even as young as they are. Overall, I want to be able to be a teacher who values the relationship between the students and the world that surrounds them no matter what stage of my educational journey I am at!”
Jordan Sabbaghrabaiotti, from Winston Salem, North Carolina, is majoring in special education.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“I was drawn to app state for the ACES program and just the community of educators that go to school at App. Growing up, my mother was a teacher so I’ve seen the impact a teacher can make on a student in and outside the classroom, and I was just inspired to be that light for my students as my mother was. I applied to be a global leaders scholar because I went to a global elementary school, and so I’ve always learned how important it is to educate yourself about global issues, and the importance of how people's culture affects what they learn, how they learn, and what they do in their lives.”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom?
“I hope to incorporate the ideas that I’ll learn while taking this professional development opportunity and actually incorporate them into my teaching style and take the tools that I learn to be a better educator for all of my students.”
Marlee Schneider, from Holly Springs, North Carolina, is an elementary education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“I was first drawn to App State because of the amazing teacher education program. After visiting I completely fell in love with the mountains and knew there was no other place for me. I have always wanted to make a difference, an impact. I wasn’t sure how to do this until my grandfather passed. When he passed, messages came rolling in from his former students describing the incredible impact he had on them. After hearing their stories, I couldn’t think of a better way to make a positive impact on the world than to follow in my grandfather's footsteps and become a teacher. I applied to be a Global Leaders Scholar because I believe it is a great opportunity to broaden my knowledge about a subject that will help me be a better teacher.”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom?
“I hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity into my classroom by learning how to foster understanding and acceptance of global learning in my classroom.”
Jackie Siverly, from Hendersonville, North Carolina, is an instrumental music education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“I chose App State because I was aware of how strong the music education program was, as well as how dedicated and knowledgeable the faculty in the program. I chose to major in education because I believe that teaching is the best way for me to use my strengths and interests to directly help others and contribute to society. I applied to be a Global Leaders Scholar because I believe that this program embraces community and global awareness in that community. These are key elements in directly improving the quality of life and wellbeing of students and improving society as a whole.”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom?
“This opportunity will provide me with the skills and knowledge to share what I have learned about community building with others, and in particular my future students. The information we gain from the GLS program equips us with life skills that we will be able to utilize daily in every facet of our lives. These are skills that will help us to build meaningful relationships with others and allow for critical foundations in interpersonal communication.”
Chloe Stocker, from Jacksonville, North Carolina, is an elementary education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“I chose App State because I liked how far it was from home. It was a chance for independence, and I loved the community and campus that APP State provided! I have always wanted to be a teacher so App State was a good fit for me. I applied to be a global leaders scholar because I wanted the opportunity to grow as a future educator and help my future students as much as possible.”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom - both field experiences and after graduation?
“I hope to take what I learn to the classroom and utilize this learning experience for the rest of my career.”
Allie Tippin, from Efland, North Carolina, is an elementary education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“I chose App State because our teacher education program here is one of the best in the nation, and it keeps getting better. My favorite teacher was a graduate of RCOE, so I had first-hand experience with the amazing things App's education program could produce and decided I had to try it for myself. The professors here are passionate, incredibly knowledgeable, and supportive of students and there are so many wonderful communities to be a part of. I have always loved working with children, starting from a very young age, and that love has led me to teach. All children deserve a passionate teacher who shows them they are valued and capable. I hope to do just that and make a difference in my future students' lives. I also love learning and teaching is a pathway that will allow me to continue to learn alongside my students. Learning about other places and cultures is a valuable part of the education experience and being a Global Leaders Scholar will teach me engaging ways to incorporate global education across grade levels and subjects in my future school. Being globally aware is important to me, and this program would provide me with the ability to pass that on to my students.”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom?
“ I hope to apply my experience and passion for travel and learning about others, as well as what I learn as a Global Leaders Scholar, to develop a diverse multicultural learning environment within my future classroom. This professional development opportunity will allow me to help my students find their identity, purpose, and story and improve the local and global community.”
Ethan Venable, from Mount Airy, North Carolina, is majoring in secondary English education.
Why AppState and why did you apply to be a Global Leaders Scholar?
“App State has the best education program in the state, and I want students to get the best. I had some great teachers in high school and I want to be what they were to me to other students. I also want to ensure that students can get the best education possible and the Global Leaders Scholars Program can help me do that.”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom - both field experiences and after graduation?
“I hope to help students understand that they are part of a big world and not just one community.”
Megan Wagoner, from Yadkinville, North Carolina, is an elementary education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“I was drawn to App State because it's known for being one of the best teacher colleges. App state makes some of the best and most prepared teachers, and I want to be an excellent and prepared teacher. I chose to major in teacher education so that I can make an impact on students' lives like my teachers have had on me. I truly believe that I can change the world for the better, one classroom full of children at a time. I applied to be a Global Leaders Scholar to become the best teacher that I can be. I believe that this can help me help my community and help me create students who are knowledgeable about real-world events and care about what is going on in their community and their world. Educating our students is the first step to creating a better future because educated students can make changes and will hopefully care about changing the world.”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom?
“ I hope that this professional development opportunity will help to educate me about how to incorporate global learning opportunities in my classroom in with other aspects of the curriculum. Mostly, I just want to learn the best ways to get my students excited about things that are going on around the world. It can be challenging at times to care about or understand things that you are unable to see and feel as though they are not affecting you or that there is nothing you can do about it.”
Maxwell Wallace, from Charleston, South Carolina, is an art education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“I was drawn to App State because of their amazing art and teaching program, and the opportunity to connect with nature on campus through the abundance of green space and the school's preserve. I was inspired by my own mentors and teachers throughout my education so far to help cultivate curiosity, creativity and interconnectedness in my students. I applied to be a global leaders scholar to enhance my global knowledge and comfort on global issues, for both myself and my future students.”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom?
“I plan to incorporate art styles and motifs from a variety of cultures into my classroom and projects, as well as keep students informed about contemporary artists who center global cultural issues in their work.”
Madeline Worth, from Raleigh, North Carolina, is an elementary education major.
Why App State and why did you apply to be a global leaders scholar?
“I was drawn to App State because of the amazing teacher ed program and the environment of the campus. I love the mountains, and while I don't think I'll live in Boone forever, App State provides me with a unique opportunity to live in one of the most beautiful places in the country while also getting my degree. I chose to major in teacher education because of the kids I worked after school with in Raleigh. I soon realized work was my favorite part of the day, and after working in other childcare positions I knew I had a passion for teaching. Since declaring my major I think about my future career all the time and what I can do now in order to give my future students the best learning experience possible. I applied to be a Global Leaders Scholar in order to incorporate important global ideas into my work as a future educator. I feel it's so important to provide kids with the capacity to have empathy for one another, and that can be achieved through celebrating global diversity and exposing kids to new experiences they would not have if I'm not educated as a global leader.”
How do you hope to incorporate this professional development opportunity in your classroom?
“I hope to provide fun and unique experiences and activities for kids that showcase how amazing and diverse our world is. I want to emphasize having empathy for one another and I want to teach them to take responsibility for their world by teaching sustainable practices.”
Global Leaders Scholars
Global Leaders Scholars