Suzanne Giacotto, Lower and Middle School French Teacher, was invited to join the Transatlantic Educators Dialogue (TED), an international educator exchange program. TED is a select group of educators from the United States of America and the European Union who meet weekly to exchange ideas on a variety of educational topics.

During these virtual forum discussions, the group examines ideas ranging from pedagogy, creativity in teaching and learning, educational equity, sustainability, social and environmental justice issues, and student life across borders. Collaborative and innovative projects evolve from the thought-provoking dialogue. The teachers, rooted in a shared passion for global education, are eager to implement the activities in their classrooms and foster global connections among their students.

In one panel discussion, Ms. Giacotto presented an idea about connecting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to classroom curriculum. The Global Goals #14 (Life on Land) and #15 (Life Under Water) cross-Atlantic SDG project was inspired from that session. Eight different schools are participating in this "Biodiversity Across the EU and US” project. They share student research, present student designed maps of their communities, and exchange stories of local initiatives and personal journeys connected to the SDG and environmental justice.

GEMS 8th graders recently participated in an Earth Day Clean-up. Our students shared their experiences with their SDG partners through images, word clouds, and recordings. Over the next several weeks they will learn about student initiatives in communities of project partners. Students will complete surveys and analyze data from each school while exploring what biodiversity looks like from countries on opposite sides of the Atlantic.

At GEMS, authentic and engaging learning opportunities span across the globe. Our exceptional teachers use the IB framework and create real-life connections for students to develop an international mindset and a desire to take action. Teachers are committed to professional development, and our students benefit from the faculty’s ongoing desire to learn, grow, and hone their craft. Their continuing education and networking provide a unique connection with the world that makes IB education at GEMS a catalyst for global citizenship.

Cindy Rigling, GEMS Head of Lower School, was not at all surprised when she learned of Ms. Giacotto’s acceptance to the TED program. She commented, “Ms. Giacotto is a creative educator with a thirst for knowledge, a breadth of expertise, and a gift for connecting learning to the world.”