Creating an Outdoor Learning Classroom: From Grant Vision to Student Impact This breakout session showcases the development of an outdoor learning classroom funded through the AIM Grant at a rural high school in Ashe County, North Carolina. The project transformed a courtyard into a flexible instructional space that supports hands-on learning, student engagement, and college and career readiness. Participants will learn practical strategies for planning, implementing, and sustaining outdoor learning environments, as well as lessons learned throughout the process. Attendees will leave with ideas they can adapt to their own schools to expand experiential learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom.
High School Agriculture Teacher, Ashe County High School
Nikki Eason is a high school agriculture teacher in Ashe County, North Carolina, teaching Animal Science and Horticulture. She holds a degree in agricultural education and focuses on creating hands-on, student-centered learning environments. Through the AIM Grant, she led the development... Read More →
Learn how the Global Leaders Teacher Fellowship empowers educators to design meaningful, standards-aligned learning experiences that build globally competent, career-ready students, especially by helping rural learners connect their local communities to a wider global context. In this session, participants will explore the Fellowship structure, engage with the “pay attention, feel connected, take action” framework, and examine real examples of action-driven projects that connect learning to real-world impact. Attendees will leave with an understanding of how the Fellowship supports teacher growth through coaching, collaboration, and microcredentials, while expanding their ability to create globally relevant learning experiences.
Global Leaders Strategy Coach, Participate Learning
Caroline Baker serves as a Global Leaders Strategy Coach at Participate Learning, where she partners with schools to implement the Global Leaders framework, fostering globally-minded students and strengthening leadership across the school community. With a background as a special education teacher and a passion for action-driven learning, Caroline specializes... Read More →
Global Leaders Strategy Coach, Participate Learning
Amanda Bikowski is a Global Leaders Strategy coach and Program Manager at Participate Learning. She supports schools across school districts in North Carolina to strategically plan and implement a global academic and career-readiness framework. Amanda partners closely with administrators... Read More →
Wednesday June 10, 2026 1:35pm - 2:35pm EDT Elm Room 202 B
