Global Matters

The month of November brings our attention to good health and well-being as we recognize Good Nutrition Month. While educators are emphasizing the importance of a balanced, healthy diet in school lessons, they are keenly aware of the fact that many of our students do not have consistent and reliable access to the foods needed to nourish their bodies, minds, and growth. The recent suspension of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits during the U.S. government shut-down accentuated the vulnerability of many families in our communities. We saw the introduction of food pantries in some school corridors this month, while schools that maintain food pantries year-round increased their support to families. We saw the conversion of Little Libraries from providing books to food items. And we saw teachers use Good Nutrition Month to help students understand the inequities of access to food in our local communities while highlighting the value of food drives, food pantries, soup kitchens, and meals delivered to those in need. Students in California are learning that food insecurity, food deserts, and food waste stand in the way of good health and well-being for all.

Ironically, this is also the month to celebrate Thanksgiving -- a time when favorite recipes are called upon to please the diverse palates of our family and friends who come together for one big spectacular meal. This month's meeting of Global Teacher Fellows generated an important discussion about self care as an important facet of nourishment, good health, and well-being. Our wish for you during these challenging times is for a Happy Thanksgiving -- one that emphasizes the importance of self care, kinship, and healthy practices. As many cultures include wishes for others to always have enough to eat, may you all find the nourishment you need with grace, gratitude, and global community.

(To read the first article in this series, please refer to the October 2025 issue of Global Matters.)

Participation in Global Classroom Connect (GCC) and the Taiwan experience reinvigorated many participants' passion for teaching, expanded their global perspectives, and inspired them to transform their classrooms to be more connected and globally literate. Their reflections highlight the transformative power of international collaboration, cultural immersion, and shared learning.

Educators have been drawn to GCC -- a classroom-based cultural exchange program -- to expand their understanding of global education and lean into their curiosity about different cultures. Many of the 2025 participating educators have past experiences traveling internationally and participating in international education exchange programs. They were encouraged by their colleagues, administrators, and families to apply for the study abroad experience this year in Taiwan.

For example, Nick Williams, a 2nd-3rd grade combination teacher at Lafayette Elementary School in the Eureka City Schools, discovered GCC through a flyer and was initially interested in embedding global perspectives into his teaching. Greg Gaiera has participated in GCC for the last 5 years as a 4th grade teacher at Union Street Charter School in Arcata. He was inspired to participate so that he could better integrate the UN Sustainability Development Goals and other issues of global significance into student learning. Beyond supporting their professional growth as educators, they both had a shared inspiration to connect across cultures.

Those educators who traveled to Taiwan described the warm, communal, and social-centered experiences that reflected Taiwanese hospitality and cultural values. Jacklyn Johnson, a K-8 teacher at Maple Creek School in Korbel, CA, reflected on the welcoming environment she felt at the schools she visited and, especially, at lively karaoke events. Nick emphasized shared meals that supported deep connections with fellow Taiwanese educators, students, and community members. He leaned into the adventure of trying new foods and visiting different cultural sites with new friends and colleagues.

The GCC participants gathered regularly during the trip to reflect on each day’s activities and the generosity and community offered by their Taiwanese hosts, which was a persistent theme commented on that supported deep and lasting relationships. Nick feels so connected to those he met that he and his wife are returning to visit Taiwan in the near future. Greg describes his relationship with his partner teacher as a deep friendship that continually inspires him to try new approaches to teaching.

The experiences of the GCC participants and their Taiwanese colleagues highlight the importance of the global competence indicators associated with the domain “Investigate the World” in the CGEP Global Competence Framework. During their time together, these educators endeavored to approach new cultural experiences with curiosity, better understand the issues and perspectives important to each other, and recognize the value of each person in our global community. Coming together with empathy and compassion, they are excited to find creative ways to engage in shared problem-solving and merge local relevance with global awareness.

Thank you to Jacklyn, Nick, and Greg for their time and for sharing their stories and pictures. GCC teachers will share memorable education experiences and teaching ideas in future issues of Global Matters.

Meet Vista Lago Global Academy elementary teacher Amy McKahan in this latest video as she shares her experience in the New & Beginning Teacher Institute and explains why global education belongs in every classroom — even for our youngest learners. She reminds us that global education is well suited for elementary students who are naturally curious, capable of critical thinking, reflection, and meaningful action when guided by a knowledgeable and open-minded teacher. Amy explains how she connects global perspectives to real-world issues, cultures, and ideas while helping students to build empathy, creativity, and problem-solving skills that are needed for life in this ever-changing world.

Consider participating in CGEP’s New & Beginning Teacher Institute (June 2026), which offers 3 days of professional learning focused on strategies, support, and inspiration for educators in their first 5 years of teaching. If you or any of your colleagues are interested in attending the summer institute, please complete this interest form. This will help us learn more about you and guide our planning for the institute. For more information, contact Program Director Barbara Vallejo Doten at bdoten@sandiego.edu

The 7th Annual Jacobs Teen Innovation Challenge is a free, global design thinking program for middle and high school students. Last year, we reached 301 students from 28 countries, and this year, we’re charting an even bolder course. The 2026 theme is “Sailing with Design Thinking as Our North Star” ⛵️

This year’s Challenge invites students to explore how empathy, creativity, and teamwork can guide them toward meaningful social innovation — both locally and globally. Register by November 20, 2025.

All educators are invited to join CGEP for the Global Book Club book talk on January 27th at 4:00 pm. We will meet online to discuss Jonathan Haidt's book The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. Register online at tinyurl.com/CGEPbooktalk to receive Zoom link for this 75-minute discussion about personal and professional connections to the ideas and information presented in the book. When we meet, the author's new book for younger readers will be released, The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-filled World, so we can talk about that version as well!

Are you interested in learning more about global education? Do you want to develop your practice and leadership skills as a globally competent teacher? CGEP is seeking applicants for the 7th cohort of the California Global Teacher Fellowship. Applicants must be PK-12 teachers in California. Fellows will meet online between January and December 2026 and in-person for a 2-day summer convening. Fellows will participate in book discussions, conduct environmental scans, and develop a local inquiry project while integrating global education into their teaching context. Fellows receive a $1,500 stipend and classroom materials. Apply online here by the December 5, 2025, deadline. Send questions to CGEP@sandiego.edu.

As we work with K-5 teachers around the state in our Global Book Bags program, an increasing number of fourth, fifth, and sixth grade teachers have asked for more book recommendations for their students. While they appreciate the learning opportunities presented in picture books, they are looking for books with a global focus that are lengthier and appropriate for their upper elementary audience. So this year’s CGEP Book Review Team is focused on chapter books and Young Adult literature that develop students’ understanding of issues of global significance through the stories they read. Here are some examples of books we are reviewing. If there are titles that you would like to suggest for review to our team of readers, please send your suggestions to Program Director Steff Buttell-Maxin at sbuttellmaxin@sandiego.edu.