The Global Teachers Programme: 2007 to the present
Between 2007 and 2009, 21 Global Teachers from Ireland each spent five weeks in Uganda exchanging skills and expertise to support schools involved in Link Community Development’s Uganda School Improvement Programme.
Between 2007 and 2009, 21 Global Teachers from Ireland each spent five weeks in Uganda exchanging skills and expertise to support schools involved in Link Community Development’s Uganda School Improvement Programme. 2011 marked the first year that LCD Ireland sent primary and secondary school teachers to South Africa as Global Teachers.
These Global Teachers are continuing to share the knowledge and skills they gained in Uganda/South Africa with pupils and colleagues across Ireland, developing an interest in global citizenship and rights and responsibilities.
Pictured: Global Teacher Lisa Barrins assists participants attending a teacher training workshop facilitated by the 2011 Global Teacher in Dutywa District, South Africa.
These Global Teachers are continuing to share the knowledge and skills they gained in Uganda/South Africa with pupils and colleagues across Ireland, developing an interest in global citizenship and rights and responsibilities.
Pictured: Global Teacher Lisa Barrins assists participants attending a teacher training workshop facilitated by the 2011 Global Teacher in Dutywa District, South Africa.
What can I expect as a Global Teacher?
Link works in partnership with the District Education Offices in Uganda and South Africa to improve the quality of education in schools. The African schools' needs are the starting point for the Global Teachers Programme, which is driven by the principles of good practice and sustainability.
In the past, Global Teachers have spend five weeks in primary schools in the Kamwenge district of Uganda, or in junior secondary schools (pupils aged 4-18years) in the Eastern Cape in South Africa. Global Teachers work in partnership with Ugandan/South African headteachers and teachers to support the process of school improvement, particularly in the areas of school leadership and management, and literacy. The work of the Global Teachers is supported by Link, the Ugandan Ministry of Education and Sports, the South African Ministry of Education and the District Education Officers.
Find out more about the work of Link Community Development in Uganda.
Read more about the work of Link Community Development in South Africa.
What support do Global Teachers receive?
- Full preparation including two pre-placement training weekends in April (20th - 22nd) and June (15th - 17th) covering the professional role of the Global Teachers, context, health, safety etc.
- A five-week placement in South Africa during July and August
- In-country inducation and full placement support in South Africa
- Follow-up support upon return to Ireland, including a further training weekend in September 2012 and a graduation ceremony in June 2013 to mark the completion of the programme.
Why become a Global Teacher?
- To contribute to improved learning outcomes in an African school by sharing skills with African colleagues.
- To learn about the way of life and culture of an African community and the challenges facing teachers and pupils in African schools.
- To use that learning to teach from experience about an African community and global issues in your own school in Ireland.
- To develop your own leadership, coaching and mentoring skills.
- To gain a greater understanding of whole school development and management.
- To become part of a network of Irish teachers working in the area of development education
Pictured: Global Teacher Eilís McDonald with pupils in a school in Kamwenge, Uganda, in 2007.
Pictured: Global Teacher Mura Tierney with pupils in Nyabbani Primary School in Kamwenge, Uganda, in 2007.
"I was completely overwhelmed by the welcome I was given in Uganda, the love of the children, the incredible insight into daily life in Africa and its wonderful culture of music and dance. I only wish I had more time to pay back all the kindness I’ve been shown”
Link works in partnership with the District Education Offices in Uganda and South Africa to improve the quality of education in schools. The African schools' needs are the starting point for the Global Teachers Programme, which is driven by the principles of good practice and sustainability. In the past, Global Teachers have spend five weeks in primary schools in the Kamwenge district of Uganda, or in junior secondary schools (pupils aged 4-18years) in the Eastern Cape in South Africa. Global Teachers work in partnership with Ugandan/South African headteachers and teachers to support the process of school improvement, particularly in the areas of school leadership and management, and literacy. The work of the Global Teachers is supported by Link, the Ugandan Ministry of Education and Sports, the South African Ministry of Education and the District Education Officers.
Find out more about the work of Link Community Development in Uganda.
Read more about the work of Link Community Development in South Africa.
Pictured: Michelle, 2011 Global Teacher, with students in her placement school, Sijadu Junior Secondary School, in Dutywa, South Africa.
What support do Global Teachers receive?
- Full preparation including two pre-placement training weekends in April (20th - 22nd) and June (15th - 17th) covering the professional role of the Global Teachers, context, health, safety etc.
- A five-week placement in South Africa during July and August
- In-country inducation and full placement support in South Africa
- Follow-up support upon return to Ireland, including a further training weekend in September 2012 and a graduation ceremony in June 2013 to mark the completion of the programme.
Pictured: Global Teachers Máire, Ann, Bríd and Karen with Siphiwo from LCD South Africa, at a pre-placement preparation weekend in 2011.
Why become a Global Teacher?
- To contribute to improved learning outcomes in an African school by sharing skills with African colleagues.
- To learn about the way of life and culture of an African community and the challenges facing teachers and pupils in African schools.
- To use that learning to teach from experience about an African community and global issues in your own school in Ireland.
- To develop your own leadership, coaching and mentoring skills.
- To gain a greater understanding of whole school development and management.
- To become part of a network of Irish teachers working in the area of development education
Pictured: Global Teacher Eilís McDonald with pupils in a school in Kamwenge, Uganda, in 2007.
What are the benefits for my school?
- A unique insight into and understanding of village life in Uganda/South Africa and the issues impacting on access and quality in education.
- Inspiration to share lessons learned with pupils and teachers to promote Development Education and improve teaching and learning.
- An experience which can bring global teaching and learning to life, impacting across the curriculum and influencing pupils’ knowledge and understanding, values and attitudes.
- Commitment to sharing your experience, enabling you to build on your school’s Development Education teaching and learning.
- Opportunities to share new and exciting ideas, resources and practice with other Global Teachers, bringing new practice from Africa and Ireland into your own school.
- Experience developing your skills in leadership and management which can be used to support your own school.
- A new perspective on school school improvement issues and challenges.
Pictured: Global Teacher Mura Tierney with pupils in Nyabbani Primary School in Kamwenge, Uganda, in 2007."I was completely overwhelmed by the welcome I was given in Uganda, the love of the children, the incredible insight into daily life in Africa and its wonderful culture of music and dance. I only wish I had more time to pay back all the kindness I’ve been shown”
- Mura Tierney, Global Teacher in Uganda, 2007.
Mura went on to link her school in Ireland, Scoil Chaitríona Junior, with the Ugandan school she worked in as a Global Teacher, Nyabbani Primary School, through the Link Schools Programme.
Pictured: Pupils from Nyabbani Primary School in Kamwenge, Uganda, greet their linked school, Scoil Chaitríona Junior, Renmore, Galway.
Mura went on to link her school in Ireland, Scoil Chaitríona Junior, with the Ugandan school she worked in as a Global Teacher, Nyabbani Primary School, through the Link Schools Programme.
Pictured: Pupils from Nyabbani Primary School in Kamwenge, Uganda, greet their linked school, Scoil Chaitríona Junior, Renmore, Galway.
