A Month for Gratitude and Celebration
This is a particularly special month for geography education and global education. During the third week of November, we celebrate Geography Awareness Week to highlight the importance of geography in our personal, professional, educational, social and political lives. This year's theme "Geographers Take Action" reminds us that geographers (and geography education) are essential in addressing the complex issues that relate human activity to natural elements and environmental issues. That same week is International Education Week, which celebrates the work of global educators like you. This is a week to highlight the many ways that teachers and students reach outside of their classrooms and communities to learn from and with others around the world. Cheers to you for engaging your students in global education through study abroad, virtual exchange, and other forms of cross-cultural learning.
And, of course, Thanksgiving is an annual tradition for families and friends to come together and give thanks in ways that might include roasted turkey and pumpkin pie, football and parades, and lots of storytelling. From CGEP's family to yours, we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving with sincere gratitude for all you do to support global education and contribute to a better world.
CIEE Hosts Global Summit
Global Book Bags for Preservice Teachers
San Diego State University Preservice Teachers participated in a Global Book Bags workshop on October 24 and were introduced to globally themed children’s books to use in their classrooms. Teachers studied the Global Competence Framework, reviewed CGEP resources, and developed learning activities based on the global book they received as a part of their professional development training.
Centering Dialogue in the Classroom
Developing Global Citizens
Global Teacher Fellowship
Are you interested in learning more about global education and developing your practices as a globally competent teacher? We are looking for PK-12 teachers to form the 2025 California Global Teacher Fellowship cohort. Educators are invited to submit an application before Dec. 4, 2024, and join a growing statewide cadre of inspiring, innovative, and incredible Global Education Leaders.
Students Exploring the World
CGEP and CIEE have partnered for the past 5 years in support of CIEE’s Global Navigator High School Summer Study Abroad programs. These 3-4 week programs allow students to enhance language fluency, experience new cultures, and gain real-world skills in 35+ locations. Students can earn college credits and the Global Seal of Biliteracy. Programs include Climate Change in Ghana, Diplomacy in Estonia, and Spanish in Madrid. Scholarships may cover up to 100% of tuition. Application Deadline: January 15th. To learn more, watch this 2 minute video, check out our website here, view our FY25 HSSA Student flyer. Contact your local CIEE Rep Jessie Hill (SoCal) at jhill@ciee.org or Daniel Velasquez (NorCal) at dvelasquez@ciee.org.
International Education Week
November 18-22 is International Education Week, which offers the opportunity to celebrate the power of international education in fostering global understanding, cross-cultural collaboration, and personal growth. Presented by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, this week highlights the vital role of learning across borders in today’s interconnected world. Educators, students, and communities are invited to explore how international experiences, including study abroad programs and global partnerships, enhance education and prepare individuals for success in a diverse and complex global society.
Geography Awareness Week
Celebrate Geography Awareness Week 2024 from November 18-22, with the theme “Geographers Take Action!" This year's focus is on how geographers actively contribute to solving some of the world's most pressing issues, such as climate change, sustainable development, and social justice. Coordinated by the American Association of Geographers (AAG), this week shines a light on how geographic thinking and tools like GIS (Geographic Information Systems) empower communities to make informed decisions and drive meaningful change. Learn more about how you can get involved at Geography Awareness Week 2024 and explore resources on ESRI Story Maps.
World Science Day for Peace and Development
2024-25 Community of Practice for Global Educators
Interested in sharing ideas, practices, and questions about global education with other PK-12 educators in California schools? Join CGEP's new Community of Practice for Global Educators!
One-hour virtual sessions will be held on these dates at 4:00 p.m.:
- Thurs., Dec. 12, 2024
- Sat., March 15, 2025 (3-hour forum)
- Wed., April 30, 2025
Register Now to receive Zoom links.
Email CGEP@sandiego.edu for more information.
Teaching Geography with the California Atlas
Calling all 4th Grade Teachers in Southern California! Join us for the FREE California Atlas Workshop on Saturday, November 16, from 9 am - noon at Vista Heritage Global Academy (2609 W Fifth St., Santa Ana, CA, 92703). Teachers will learn about California geography and receive a class set of standards-aligned atlases for classroom use. Parking is free on campus. Follow the signage to the classroom where the workshop will be held. Register here today.
Study Abroad and Professional Development through CIEE
Learn about CIEE’s Global Navigator High School Summer Study Abroad programs and Professional Development Opportunities for educators! Meet California's CIEE Global Education Advisors Jessie Hill and Daniel Velasquez!
CIEE awards more than $7 million in scholarships each year for high school students to participate in 3-4 week summer study abroad programs based in 35+ locations around the world. Students can focus on either world languages (French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, German, Italian, Mandarin, Korean, Portuguese or Japanese) or various thematic programs (STEM, Arts, Business, or Social Change).
We look forward to having you attend this informational webinar on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Microsoft Teams: Join the meeting here
Meeting ID: 218 281 296 460
Passcode: yxjNp9
Contact Jessie Hill at jhill@ciee.org for more information.
Global Book Talk
Attention global readers! We are thrilled to launch CGEP's new bi-annual Global Book Talk, which invites you to read a selected book and then join us online for a discussion connecting the reading to global education. The first book selection is Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life by Dacher Keltner (UC Berkeley). This captivating book explores the many ways that awe transforms our lives and perspectives. Immerse yourself in this thought-provoking book and don’t miss your chance to connect with fellow readers and delve into the wonder (and research) of awe. Join us: Wednesday, Jan 15, 2025, 04:30 PM Online
Local Letters for Global Change: A Pulitzer Center Writing Contest (K-12)
Help your students' to develop and share their voices through letters written to a local elected representative that:
- explains the global issue they want them to prioritize,
- shows how it connects to their local community,
- and proposes a solution.
The Pulitzer Center wants to read and share your students' letters. Visit the Pulitzer Center website for contest details and guidelines. Entry deadline: November 15, 2024.
SDG Student Resources
The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals Student Resources page offers engaging tools for both youth and adults to learn about sustainable development. These resources provide a fun, interactive way to explore the SDGs and take action to help address the targets. Download materials, share them with students and colleagues, and integrate into your instructional practice to contribute to a sustainable future today.
November Global Book Calendar
The November Global Book Calendar is available, featuring children's picture books and young adult literature titles aligned to global themes. This collection of recommended reading aligns national and international days of recognition with global competence and helps you connect classroom learning to local and global issues. Dive in and spark meaningful discussions with your students.
Generation Global Virtual Exchange
Ready to spark intercultural dialogue among your students? Book them into Generation Global’s video conferences to connect with peers from around the world. 🌟 There are already students registering from India, Indonesia, Mexico, Rwanda, Armenia, Uzbekistan, and many others. Generation Global video conferences are live and facilitated 60-minute sessions for young people to interact, connect, and dialogue with global peers on SDG-related issues.
What’s in it for your students?
🗣️ Dialogue Skills: Improve global communication, critical thinking, and active listening, questioning, and reflection.
🌐 Global Perspectives: Students gain global exposure by dialoguing about SDG-linked topics with peers from 40+ countries.
⏰ Flexible Timing: Available on weekdays at various times to suit your students’ schedules.
Each month, we draw the names of a few new CGEP members to celebrate with a gift. This month's drawing winners will receive a We Love Global California t-shirt. Congratulations, Members!
Richard Bailey, French & Spanish Teacher on Special Assignment
Windward School, Independent School
Katie Dens, Geography and Special Education Teacher & Homeschool Coordinator
Trillium Charter School
Wendy Threatt, 4th Grade Teacher
Felicita Elementary, Escondido Union School District
