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Global
Classroom
Each year the World Affairs Council hosts the World Citizen Essay Contest for Washington State students in third through twelfth grades. The goal of the World Citizen Essay Contest is to promote discussion among students, teachers, families, and community members about the ways that individuals can effect positive change in the global community. Sponsored
by: The question for the 2008 World Citizen Essay Contest was: "In April, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama (1989 Nobel Prize winner for Peace) will journey to Seattle to discuss and celebrate compassion in action with Seattle-area youth, educators, and policy makers. Definition: 'Compassionate acts are generally considered those which take into account the suffering of others and attempt to alleviate that suffering as if it were one’s own.' (From Wikipedia - as cited by the organization Seeds of Compassion) A) Considering the definition above, identify an individual who has been moved by compassion to take action on a problem. Describe his or her work. How did he or she demonstrate compassion? B) Now, imagine yourself as an adult. Following in this individual’s footsteps, what international issue would you want to tackle? Why is this issue important? What steps might you take to resolve the issue? Why does this issue awaken compassion in you?" The question for the 2007 World Citizen Essay Contest was: "The President of the United States holds a unique place as a world leader given the country's economic and military power, cultural influence, impact on the environment, role in public health, and access to technology. As such, he or she has the ability to set priorities and effect change on a global level. You have just declared that you are running for President. Describe the global issue on which you would focus your attention. Why is this issue important?" The question for the 2006 World Citizen Essay Contest was: "Imagine that you are a diplomat whose mission it is to represent a country to the world community. You and your fellow diplomats are working towards a better world for your citizens and others. Which country would you represent and what issue would you want to address? Why is this important and what are some possible solutions?" The question for the 2005
World Citizen Essay Contest was: "Imagine that you are
the new U.S. Secretary of State, head of the U.S. Department of
State, whose mission is to create a more secure, democratic,
and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and
the international community. Describe one international issue
you think is important today. Why do you think this issue is important
to both the U.S. and the world? What would you do about it?"
The question for 2004: "According
to Refugees International, there are 30 million refugees and internally
displaced people worldwide. Washington State is home to the fifth
largest refugee population in the United States. Tell us the story
of one group of people on the move: Describe what caused them to
leave their home & propose a solution that might return them
there." The question for 2003:
"If you could have a day with any world leader from the past
or present, who would it be and what would you discuss?"
The question for 2002: "If you were
a journalist on an international assignment, where would you like
to go, what issue would you cover, and why?"
Each year, the World Affairs Council honors a local educator who has contributed exceptionally to broadening the global horizons of students and colleagues. With this award, the World Affairs Council acknowledges outstanding teachers who demonstrate leadership in connecting their students to the world and contribute to the development of new programs and resources that enable other teachers to do the same. The World Affairs Council is excited to announce the World Educator Award recipient for 2007-2008, Ryan Hauck, from Marysville-Pilchuck High School. Numerous world educators were nominated by colleagues and organizations throughout the Puget Sound area. Ryan stood out because he is an exceptional teacher with a strong commitment to global education. Not only does Ryan promote global understanding and education in his immediate classroom, he also contributes significantly to the field of international education from Puget Sound to Nigeria. Ryan has worked as a teacher at Marysville-Pilchuck High School for fifteen years, serving as Department Chair in History/Social Sciences. He is often applauded for bringing the world into his classroom and school by actively engaging students to analyze the importance of living in an interconnected world. One of Ryan’s most recent global projects has been his work in the Niger Delta, building not only a sister school relationship between his high school and a remote village school in Oporoza but also a village library. After a school assembly last spring, his Marysville students raised $2500 in scholarship money for students in the village who can’t afford to go to school. He is a member of the Niger Delta Friendship Library Board of Trustees and is the Associate Producer of a new documentary film about the Niger Delta entitled “Sweet Crude.” Ryan brings his own real-life experiences into the classroom so that his students begin to understand the value of cross-cultural understanding and humanitarian action. Over the last ten years, Ryan has worked closely with the World Affairs Council hosting numerous International Visitor Program delegations at his school. He has carpooled his students into Seattle to hear leading authorities on critical issues. And he has tirelessly carpooled his colleagues down the 1-5 corridor to attend a myriad of Global Classroom teacher workshops. He has traveled on one of our trips to South Africa and Swaziland, returning to write curriculum for other teachers to use. He is currently writing a new Global Classroom curriculum entitled: “Fueling the Future: Peace or Conflict? An Examination of Fossil Fuels, Development, and Conflict with a Special Focus on Nigeria.” The presentation of the World Educator Award represents an important part of our concerted effort to bring world issues into area classrooms and to give local community members and business leaders the opportunity to acknowledge the critical role teachers play in educating children about the world. The World Affairs Council is committed to supporting area educators as they prepare students for a global future. Congratulations to Ryan! World Educator Award Recipients:
The World Affairs Council is excited to announce the names of the four educators who will be packing their bags and traveling to Turkey this summer. Made possible through a generous grant from the Turkish Cultural Foundation, these four Puget Sound teachers will be enjoying a 17-day study tour to Turkey from July 25 - August 10, 2007. The study tour will include visits to historical sites, seminars, meetings with the Turkish educators, and a reception with the Minister of Education. Congratulations to the following four teachers who were selected: Robert
Herold,
Northstar Junior High Special thanks to all the teachers who applied. Competition was keen - we hope this will be an annual event. |
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