Global Matters

On October 1, we lost a true global champion in Dr. Jane Goodall. She was a primatologist, scientist, writer, environmentalist, speaker, activist, leader, and much more to so many people around the world. She lived a life filled with curiosity from an early age and followed her passions, which led to groundbreaking research and achievements that defied those who told her she "could not." Her enduring love for animals led to concerns for their environments and for human nature -- reminding us that all things are connected.

If you have not yet read The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times, you might want to dive into her story and consider her four reasons for hope. Hope is what framed much of her activism and outreach. One of those reasons is anchored in her belief in the power of young people, from whom she claimed to learn a great deal. Many of our students have participated in Dr. Goodall's Roots & Shoots program and found their own connections to nature, community, and hope for a better world. This program reflects our goals of developing global competence in youth to better understand issues and develop their agency to take informed action in local and global communities.

While there is much, much more to say and learn about this model global citizen, CGEP wanted to ensure that Dr. Goodall's passing was not overlooked by our global education community. We offer to her our sincere gratitude for shedding a light on the world where and when it was needed, and for posing questions that require us to think deeply about how we live our lives. Dr. Goodall has been a beacon of hope, a source of inspiration, an incredible role model, and a friend to education. She will not be forgotten and forevermore appreciated. Please share your stories about Jane Goodall with your students and look into Roots & Shoots USA if you are unfamiliar.

Through the Global Classroom Connect (GCC) program, students and teachers engage in immersive learning experiences, collaborate on educational initiatives, and bring frameworks such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to life in the classroom. GCC fosters a globally connected and culturally rich learning environment, helping students grow into empathetic, capable, and responsible global citizens. By building strong partnerships between U.S. and Taiwanese schools, students gain the skills, knowledge, and perspectives needed to thrive in our interconnected world. GCC teachers and leaders are committed to ensuring every student is prepared to make a positive impact both locally and globally.

From August 1–13, 2025, twenty-two educators from California (one from North Carolina and another from Pennsylvania) traveled to Taiwan to deepen their understanding of cultural and global issues. By connecting with peers in Taiwan, these educators enhanced their teaching practices, shared curriculum ideas, and explored strategies to advance academic excellence, build empathy, and foster cultural awareness. A primary goal of the trip was to cultivate long-term relationships that evolve into ongoing collaboration throughout the 2025–26 school year. U.S. and Taiwanese teachers laid the groundwork for joint initiatives such as project-based learning, language exchanges, and collaborative research. Additionally, participants gained insights into the dynamic education systems of both countries, inspiring innovations and opportunities for improvement.

GCC teachers were hosted across a variety of Taiwanese communities, government agencies, and school districts. U.S. educators designed and delivered professional learning experiences for Taiwanese teachers and also participated in learning sessions led by their Taiwanese peers. Families and community members organized events at cultural landmarks, providing further opportunities for immersive learning. Participants experienced the breadth and vibrancy of life in urban, rural, and coastal communities, gathering rich material for student projects on geography, climate, land use, local culture, and sustainability.

Look for more stories from Taiwan in upcoming issues of Global Matters!

Are you a new or beginning teacher? Are you ready to enhance your professional journey by developing global perspectives in your teaching? 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. As a preview of what you will learn and experience at the institute, meet Susan Taylor -- a dedicated middle school teacher who brings English and History-Social Sciences to life for her students by infusing global perspectives into all things “books and stories.” Beyond the classroom, she hosts Wonder World Book Cafe, a podcast where she serves up engaging books written primarily for middle schoolers and young adults. Susan provides just enough insight to help listeners decide if a story is right for their readers without giving away all the surprises. Known for skillfully weaving a global perspective into her lessons, Susan’s work exemplifies the kind of innovative, literature-centered teaching that will be highlighted at the summer 2026 New & Beginning Teacher Institute.

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

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!

Children’s literature can provide opportunities for rich discussions about difficult topics. This month’s reading corner feature provides several titles that can help you develop challenging conversation with students about food insecurity. 2025 marks the 80th Anniversary of World Food Day on October 16. This year’s theme is “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” which reminds us that “we all have a role to play to tackle inequality and poverty, make healthy food choices to increase their availability, reduce food waste and protect the environment.” For more information, go to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

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.