International Education Resources for Teachers


The U.S. Department of Education: "Teacher's Guide to International Collaboration on the Internet"
The U.S. Department of Education has an excellent "Teacher's Guide to International Collaboration on the Internet," with tips on how to engage in Project-Based Learning, working cross-culturally and specific project ideas in many curriculum areas--for both elementary and secondary school classrooms.

CTIR
The Center for Teaching International Relations is a leader in international education. Their programs and publications promote a better understanding of the world in which we live. Based at the University of Denver's Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS), CTIR links academic research with community needs. For 30 years CTIR has brought the world to K-12 classrooms in Colorado and throughout the country. CTIR develops internationally oriented programs and publications to support professional educators.

Global TeachNet, National Peace Corps Association
The NPCAÃs education program, Global TeachNet, connects K-12 educators and their students to resources, information and professional development in global education. Visit the website for lesson plans, resources and publications. Subscribe to their free, weekly e-mail listserv or join the network to receive the award-winning bimonthly newsletter, Global TeachNet, and quarterly magazine with issues and commentary from the developing world, WorldView.

Traveling Ed.org
A resource for innovative international educational curriculum and lesson-plans based and drawn from the experiences of a continual consortium of world travelers. The lesson-plans are designed to give students a "traveling education from the comfort of their classroom." All lesson-plans are designed to meet State standards.

The American Forum for Global Education
The American Forum for Global Education is active in a multiplicity of areas in international education. From it's web-site, teachers can access a wealth of teaching materials and resources from the forum's database. The Forum is also a good resource for learning about current issues in global education and new instructional strategies. Teachers will also find information pertaining to professional development courses and international teacher training workshops.

The World Trust Foundation
A not-for-profit organization that co-creates educational and interactive programs aimed at connecting young people worldwide. Dedicated to building mutual respect, cooperation, and peace for all peoples. Programs in progress include, the "Kids and Technology - Youth Ambassadors Program," a techno-centric project aimed at increasing global awareness and promoting international interdependency in our youth.

Out of India
Internet based resource group aimed at bridging the digital divide in South Asia. Using a wide range of resources including, electronic media, film and video, multimedia products, and organized events the Out of India Team are committed to strengthening trans-cultural understanding and education between India and the U.S.

Fine Media Group, LLC
A for-profit entertainment company that produces and distributes high quality animated family and educational movies in the U.S. and Canada. Set in the Middle East, the overarching objective of all FMGºs films is to present Middle Eastern Culture in a way that highlights the similarities that it shares with all other cultures, showcasing those values and morals which, it perceives, as universally recognized and shared by all.

 

International Education Exchange

CSIET
A number of exchange organizations, both for-profit and non-profit, are options to enable students to travel and study in countries around the world, including those that are predominantly Muslim populated. Another option is to serve as a host family for a student from abroad. The Council on Standards for Educational Travel (CSIET) is one place to explore approximately 100 programs that meet its criteria. CSIET publishes an annual handbook listing programs which exchange with specific countries.

Amity Institute
Teaching exchange program that strives to encourage and build international understanding and friendship by offering young people the opportunity to share their language, culture, and expertise at schools around the world. Programs include: The Intern Teacher Program; The Exchange Teacher Program; and the Amity Volunteer Teachers Abroad Program.

Support Services

National Peers Association
A support service initiated by peers in a variety of diverse settings. Peer helpers act as preventive agents, using education and forums for learning to prevent conflict, promote toleration and trans-cultural understanding, and service to others. The organization is now active in over fourteen different countries around the world.

Educational Resources for Discussing September 11th

Educators for Social Responsibility
Produces guides to help teachers discuss recent events with young people.

The Education Development Center
Offers a mini-curriculum entitled "Beyond Blame: Reacting to the Terrorist Attack" for middle and high school students.

The Coalition of Essential Schools
"Framing Discussions of Terrible Events," offers questions that teachers can use to frame dialogue about events surrounding September 11th.

Global Connections: The Middle East/Communities Respond

In the wake of September 11, communities across the country were faced with the difficult task of helping people cope with an unprecedented tragedy. The Case Studies and Local Responses to 9/11 are just a few examples of how some communities addressed the crisis.

Learning About Islam

Omar Center For Cultural and Educational Outreach
A Guide for school boards, superintendents, administrators and educators to assist them in explaining and discussing with students how Islam condemns violence and terrorism.

Middle East Institute (Introduction to Islam)
Introduction to Islam by M. Cherif Bassioumi is available on the Middle East Institute's website. The book, which is written for a non-Muslim audience, presents an understanding of Islam, its history, culture, and contribution to civilization. M. Cherif Bassioumi is a Professor of Law at DePaul University.

AskAsia.org
The Asia Society features a collection of teaching resources on the recent histories of Central and South Asia. The unit also provides broader context on many topics, including the many faces of Islam. The site offers teachers and students resources, such as lesson plans, readings, maps, on-line exhibitions, exchange opportunities, etc.

Global Connections: the Middle East
Putting world events in context by WGBH