Unionville Elementary receives state recognition for global education
On Dec . 7 , the NC Department of Public Instruction named Unionville Elementary a North Carolina Model Global-Ready School , making the school a leader in its focus on global education . Unionville Elementary is the second school in North Carolina , and the first in Union County , to receive this distinction .
On Dec . 7 , the NC Department of Public Instruction named Unionville Elementary a North Carolina Model Global-Ready School , making the school a leader in its focus on global education . Unionville Elementary is the second school in North Carolina , and the first in Union County , to receive this distinction . “ Unionville Elementary has successfully embedded global education in the school ’ s instructional model for years , and this distinction positions Unionville as a global education leader not only in Union County Public Schools ( UCPS ) but in the state of North Carolina ,” said UCPS Superintendent Dr . Andrew Houlihan . “ I have seen firsthand how the school wide focus on global education is positively impacting students and preparing them to succeed in a global economy .”
After a rigorous application process that included extensive documentation and site visits as well as interviews with parents , teachers and business leaders , Unionville Elementary was recognized for consistently implementing systems and processes to support global readiness . The school was also praised for its well-developed cutting edge practices that have resulted in a consistent , high-level impact to students .
What sets Unionville Elementary ’ s approach to global education apart from other schools is the dozens of global competencies the school embeds in its culture and instructional practices – a move that surpasses global education experiences offered at other schools and prepares every student to succeed in an interconnected and interdependent world .
“ When I volunteered to host a bilingual class at Unionville five years ago , the vision was to use it as a springboard to bring global education to every student ,” said Unionville Elementary Principal Dr . Sharyn VonCannon . “ Receiving this award validates all the hard work done by staff in bringing this vision to fruition , and the students realize we have something unique and special at our school . Hopefully , Unionville can pave the way for other schools in Union County and can serve as a resource for other schools around the state .”
World language is fostered through students who participate in Unionville Elementary ’ s Spanish dual language immersion program , which is one of 11 dual language programs offered district wide . Additionally , all students take a global education class -- where they learn about global places , and relevant issues and topics – and the students partner with Piedmont High art and Spanish classes as well as the high school ’ s students on global projects .
Unionville Elementary has also developed global partnerships with schools across the world – including sister schools in the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica -- and provides students with an opportunity to communicate via Skype with a class in England . The school also celebrates diversity by hosting an annual international festival in their community and monthly celebrations of diversity , and all students regularly participate in community outreach projects that allow them to give back to others in their community and abroad while also learning about global topics and issues .
Unionville Elementary staff members also have the opportunity to enhance their global education . Thirty percent of the school ’ s staff is in the process of earning a Global Digital Badge designation , teachers regularly collaborate during global professional development sessions and employees have participated in a staff development trip through Immersion Abroad Costa Rica . Unionville Elementary school leadership regularly attends , speaks and presents at global education seminars and meetings , and the school hosts visitors from its global education leadership program to address global education issues .
From world language and education courses to global partnerships to community service opportunities that expose students to a number of world topics and issues , Unionville Elementary offers a comprehensive global experience to teachers and students that surpass what is offered in other schools in the state . – This article was provided by the Union County Public Schools Communication Office
20 • Jan / Feb 2018 • Parent Teacher Magazine