Global Schools launches Advocates Program (4th Cohort) to Build Capacity of Teachers on the SDGs

Deadline: 25-May-23

Are you passionate about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? The Global Schools Program (GSP) is launching applications for the fourth cohort of the Global Schools Advocates Program to promote transformative change in classrooms in support of SDG 4.7 by integrating sustainable development into teacher training to improve student learning.

Selected teachers will undergo a month-long training program on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The training program will be delivered online, with the ability for teachers to interact with a global cohort of educators. During the comprehensive training program, educators will be introduced to the SDGs and learn about action based pedagogy and ideas to integrate ESD, Global Citizenship Education, and 21st century skills into the classrooms. Over 98% of the educators in the pilot cohort across 50 countries recommended the training to colleagues, and 97% agreed that the training gave them new ideas to try in the classroom.

After the successful completion of the training, educators will receive the Global Schools Advocate title as well as the Global Schools Advocate Toolkit and begin their journey to integrate ESD into schools. Advocates will be tasked with inspiring their fellow teachers and school leaders to take-up action for the SDGs, as well as incorporating sustainable development within their lesson plans. Advocates will act as a driving force within their school community to ensure sustainable development is introduced and adopted into school curriculum and operations.

Objectives

• Train teachers and educators on the basic competencies of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
• Increase sustainable development literacy for teachers and give them ideas and the pedagogical frameworks to bring sustainable development into their classrooms.
• Create a global community of like-minded teachers and educators that can meet others from around the world who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of their students.
• Use lessons learned to build effective models and case-studies for future cohorts.
• Increase engagement with schools in the Global Schools network by training focal point teachers on effective models for bringing sustainable development into classrooms, lessons, curricula, and school activities.

Benefits

• Teachers accepted to the program will receive:
  • Free online training, developed by the Global Schools team to increase sustainable development literacy and provide teachers with new, active strategies to implement in the classroom;
  • Monthly online workshops and conversations on sustainable development to connect educators with other education leaders and SDG Advocates;
  • Access to an educator network of like-minded teachers working to implement activities and lessons on global issues within their classrooms;
  • Visibility opportunities and participation in conferences as top candidates can be selected to share their advocacy work at the International Conference on Sustainable Development, the Vatican Youth Symposium, the ECOSOC Youth Forum, and in the Global Schools Case-Study Guide;
  • A structured mentorship program with an experienced educator who has already completed the Global Schools Advocates program;
  • A comprehensive Advocates Toolkit with 17+ supporting documents meant to guide their work in school communities;
  • A formal Certificate of Completion.
• Benefits of Joining
  • Professional Development
    • Access a free online training course on Education for Sustainable Development and its applications.
    • Participate in optional, free monthly online workshops and conversations on Education for Sustainable Development with exceptional guest speakers, and receive invitations to webinars and conferences hosted by United Nations agencies.
    • Receive a certificate after the successful completion of the program.
  • Community of Practice
    • Build professional and personal relationships with high-level stakeholders in civil society, business, government and the United Nations.
    • Work with a diverse and exceptional group of individuals and educators with a variety of cultural, religious and political backgrounds, committed to sustainable development.
    • Join a community of like-minded teachers in schools working to implement activities and lessons on global issues within their classrooms.
    • Join the Global Schools Educators forum to discuss activities and action plans with teachers in 70+ countries around the world.
  • Making an Impact
    • Act as a leader in your community and a bridge between your school community and the United Nations SDSN.
    • Help your school establish a long-term plan for implementing Education for Sustainable Development into lessons and activities, including topics related to climate change, social justice and inequality, sustainability, gender and society, and more.
    • Ability to extend your mandate and serve as a mentor to future cohorts and teachers.
    • Ability to be at the forefront of efforts taken by the United Nations, governmental, and civil society in developing and leading a global movement for sustainable development.
    • Have a positive impact on your school community and the lives of your students, helping them become more globally-minded citizens.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serving as an Advocate for Global Schools will equip you with knowledge of sustainable development, including key educational frameworks, competencies, and pedagogies for promoting ESD in your school community. Global Schools Advocates will serve as official spokespersons for Global Schools and serve as local focal points within schools to continue advocating for ESD within learning communities.
• The primary responsibilities of the Advocates include:
  • Complete the training
    • Advocates will participate in a six-hour online training program to develop their understanding of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The training will include videos, readings, assignments, and a final quiz. Advocates will have the option to complete the training using the online platform Edx Edge or if restricted with access to the internet, on Whatsapp.
  • Introduce ESD to their school
    • Advocates will be given a variety of resources, including a Global Schools Advocates Toolkit, which will help them introduce ESD to their students, department, and school leadership. Advocates will be able to adapt the activities and fully localize the program to their community context.
  • Integrate ESD activities in classrooms and/or school community
    • The Advocates will serve a term from July 2023 to December 2023, with the option to extend their mandate. During this time, they will be encouraged to create a movement within their school community around teaching the SDGs. The Advocates program does not require teachers to implement a defined curriculum, but rather encourages the Advocates community to use the resources provided and the community of practice to enrich themselves on ESD themes and topics.
  • Share your Journey
    • The Advocates will be tasked with sharing their classroom journey with the Global Schools community. They can also share projects and initiatives with school leadership, parents, and the greater community.

Eligibility Criteria

At the time of applying for this role the candidate should:

• Be employed at a primary or secondary school as a teacher or other educational position (guidance counselor, principal, department head, etc.). Teachers employed at teacher training colleges, universities, or post-secondary institutions are not eligible.
• Possess a good command of the English language in order to complete the training course and engage with the Global Schools Team.
• Commit to the vision of the program and comply with the standards and level of professionalism set by Global Schools.
• Be able to commit approximately 5 hours per week for this role.
• Be absolutely self-driven, accountable and responsible for meeting his/her goals.
• Be able to communicate effectively with school leadership and other teachers.

For more information, visit Global Schools.