EDUCATORS
Educators are critical partners in empowering global citizens from around the world as lifelong leaders of positive change. We collaborate with schools to bolster their global education offerings and provide opportunities for professional development using the GCI Method.
The GCI Seminar
for Educators
The Seminar is a 6-day residential professional development program for secondary school educators and administrators. The Seminar's unique program not only exposes participants to an ethics-based leadership curriculum, but also to peers from around the globe. Since 2018, past participants have included educators from Brazil, Egypt, Japan, Jordan, South Africa and United States, and more. During the program, participants will also engage with and observe secondary school students who are participating in the GCI Summit.
OBJECTIVES
Secondary school educators and administrators are exposed to Discussion-Based Learning, Design Thinking and Human Connectivity (the GCI Method©). This is an ethics-based leadership curriculum grounded on project and discussion-based methodologies, for educators who want to instill global competence in their students and:
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Explore powerful communication skills—active listening, critical thinking, self-reflection, respectful debate—through Discussion-Based Learning sessions facilitated by Harkness® experts
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Learn the basics of Design Thinking, the innovative problem-solving framework that focuses on better understanding and empathizing with the communities whose needs are meant to be addressed, resulting in more effective, appropriate solutions
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Hear from inspirational speakers on topics related to social entrepreneurship, leadership, ethics and global citizenship
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Share classroom experiences, best practices, challenges and insights while establishing meaningful relationships with other educators from around the globe
OUTLINE
The Seminar is an intensive program combining interactive workshops, observation of students in action at the Summit and periods of reflection to consider integration of various techniques in the classroom.
Educators:
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Observe students in action during a Discussion-Based Learning class (Harkness® Session)
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Participate directly in a Harkness® Session, Design Thinking Workshop and a leadership case study
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Join a collaborative session on ethics
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Engage with students as they present their "Glocal" Service Projects (GSPs)
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Explore the Scottish East Coast during a half-day excursion
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Develop a project proposal using the GCI Method©
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Connect with peers from around the globe, first as part of a small cohort, then as part of the larger GCI community
Harkness® is a registered trademark of Phillips Exeter Academy.
"As we educate the citizens of tomorrow, preparation for living in a global community, and for doing so in a positive, constructive way, is essential. Bravo to the Global Citizens Initiative for taking on these challenges."
Dr. Howard Gardner
Hobbs Professor of Cognition and Education
Harvard University
Become a Seminar Educator
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATORS & ADMINISTRATORS
Applicants must be current secondary school educators and administrators.
Who: 14 secondary school educators and administrators from around the globe
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Small cohort to ensure highly individualized attention
AVAILABILITY
Applicants must commit to the attend the 6-day in-person Seminar in its entirety and complete all pre- and post-program requirements.
When: July 27 - August 1, 2023
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In parallel with the Summit
Where: University of St Andrews in Scotland
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Includes half-day excursions around the East Coast of Scotland
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
The format of this program is entirely in English. Sessions include group discussions and active class participation. Therefore, Educators must possess a highly developed proficiency in spoken and written English to fully participate.
APPLICATION DETAILS
COST
Tuition for the Seminar is US$3,900 and covers lodging for 5 nights (en suite rooms), meals, organized activities, workbooks, required reading and transportation between Seminar venues.
Expenses related to round-trip travel to Scotland are not included.
FINANCIAL AID: A limited amount of financial aid is available from GCI. Many of our participants are able to secure professional development funding from their schools.
REQUIREMENTS
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Online application
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3 Questions
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Résumé or CV
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Letter of Employment
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Headshot (optional)
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Financial Aid: A limited amount of financial aid from GCI is available. We encourage you to apply for financial aid if you require assistance in meeting the cost of attendance.
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Application Fee: US$35
PROCESS
Acceptance to the program is competitive and space is limited. Offers will be made on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible.
The GCI Seminar 2023 application is now closed. Please subscribe to our newsletter for updates about the Seminar 2024 application.
"My experience in Scotland was perhaps the best professional development I have had after 25 years of teaching in the US and abroad. The assembled presenters and facilitators were all top notch, encouraging me to deeply reflect on my own practice. I have returned to my classroom already applying and sharing what I have learned. The work GCI is doing—one student, one educator, one classroom at a time—is invaluable."
Robert Moeny
U.S. English Department Head, IB English Teacher
Casablanca American School
Partner Schools
GCI collaborates with exceptional schools around the world to nominate potential Fellows. As our relationship grows, schools move from Exploratory, to Associate, to Partner - each tier denoting a higher level of commitment to the GCI network.
