Global Literacy for Iowa

Social Studies Education Professor Gregory Hamot led a summer institute to help Iowa teachers infuse global perspectives in their classrooms.

His efforts helped prepare Iowa teachers for Chapter 12 of the Iowa Administrative Code, which requires Iowa school districts to incorporate global education into all areas and levels of educational programs.

“Global literacy concepts are usable in every subject matter. They fit into everything from P.E. to physics,” said Hamot, director of the UI Center for Human Rights in International Programs (IP).

In partnership with IP and the Stanley Foundation, this professional-development course brought 20 middle, junior, and high school teachers from across the state for three days of training, guest speakers, group activities, and workshops.

As part of the Iowa Core Curriculum’s 21st Century Skills, which prepare students to survive and excel in the new global environment, global literacy concepts emphasize the importance of Iowa K-12 students engaging in other cultures, understanding global issues, and making connections while understanding the interdependence between cultures in a global economy.

Sandra Dop, 21st Century Skills consultant at the Iowa Department of Education, said the essential concepts and skills for global literacy will be a resource for teachers as they strive to embed global literacy throughout their K-12 curriculum.

The institute was free of charge for the 20 participants, and brought together a group of enthusiastic Iowa teachers.

“Workshops devoted to designing curriculum allow teachers to return to their schools with concrete teaching materials—not just ideas,” said Karen Wachsmuth, IP’s outreach coordinator and organizer of the institute.

“Teachers have the opportunity to reshape their curriculum and inspire a new generation of students to live in a global world,” she said.