In October 2023, Teacher Exchange alumni were invited to apply for Global Teacher Grants to support education-based projects in their communities. We are excited to announce the 41 winning projects representing 21 countries!
Global Teacher Grants offer alumni of teacher exchanges an opportunity to demonstrate teacher leadership, develop professionally, and enhance their role as change agents in their schools and communities. Fulbright Teacher Exchange alum Rosanna Viña Valdez of the Dominican Republic strives to prevent Dengue fever and improve public health education through community engagement, “This project acknowledges the importance of actively involving community members, students, and volunteers in the cleanup and prevention efforts. By participating directly in cleanup campaigns and educational initiatives, community members not only share in the responsibility, but also acquire valuable skills and knowledge that can be applied in the future.”
Recipients of Global Teacher Grants use the funding, in addition to resources, skills, and networks that they acquired during their exchange, to benefit their students, colleagues, administrators, and community. Inspired by educational technology sessions during her Fulbright experience at the University of Arkansas, Loveline Chiaga of Cameroon will work to equip teachers with the digital resources and knowledge they need to safeguard them and their students from cybercrime, “Today, I have a significant opportunity to empower my colleagues by helping them adapt to digitalization and stay updated on educational trends.”
Global Teacher Grants allow for a maximum of $3,000 in funding per individual award and $5,000 in funding per collaborative award. With a total of over $130,000 in funding, this year’s winning projects address themes such as developing students’ digital and media literacy, promoting social and emotional well-being, supporting culturally responsive arts initiatives, advancing environmental sustainability efforts, and creating more inclusive learning environments. In the Philippines, Ronald Manguiat will create a systematic Transition to College Program that will prepare blind and visually impaired students for college, “This project aims to provide college instructors and professors in my community with training on making their classroom and teaching strategies inclusive for learners with visual impairment to ensure a barrier-free education.”
In the United States, Fulbright Teacher Exchange alum Brooke Nenadal’s project, “Enrichment RoCs! (Robotics in Classrooms),” will promote equity and inclusivity in STEM education by providing access to hands on STEM materials and lessons, “In our economically disadvantaged community, it is imperative to establish a solid educational foundation to empower our young learners for future career and college opportunities. By introducing a robotics program for fourth and fifth-grade students, I aim to ensure that children from diverse backgrounds not only have the chance to participate in STEM-related fields, but also excel in them.”
This year, the winning projects will be led by 48 Teacher Exchange alumni and implemented in communities worldwide between January – July 2024. Global Teacher Grants are sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX.
