Middle schoolers are asking big questions: Who am I? Where do I belong? And does what I’m learning really matter? As they shape their own stories, students benefit from learning experiences that connect to their identities and the world around them. In this interactive session, educators from Hayesville and Heritage Middle share how global learning can foster critical thinking, empathy, and flexibility while helping students make meaning of what they learn and how they see themselves. Through real classroom examples, reflection, and practical strategies, you will explore ways to position learning as part of a larger narrative that deepens students’ connections to their peers, their communities, and the wider world.
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 →
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 →
Wednesday June 10, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT Elm Room 202 B
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
