Learning Beyond Borders: My Fulbright TGC Online Course Experience

Virtual collaboration during Fulbright TGC online sessions.

From September through December 2024, I participated in the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms (TGC) online course—a cornerstone of the program that bridges theory, practice, and international collaboration.

This wasn’t just another PD. It was a deeply reflective, academically rich, and globally grounded experience that challenged how I think, teach, and lead.

🧭 Week 0: Foundations and Introductions

"Don't ask me where I'm from?"

The course opened with a powerful message: every teacher is a global educator, whether they know it or not. We dove into Padlet introductions, listened to alumni voices, and viewed the unforgettable video "Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From"—a reminder that identity is layered, dynamic, and personal.

We also picked our platform for the capstone website, laying the groundwork for the Global Education Guide we would build over the year.

🌍 Week 1-2: Framing Global Learning and Global Citizenship

 Collaborative sessions on global learning frameworks.

Through readings like OECD’s “Implementing Education for Global Competence” and the Joint Statement on International Education, I started to truly see the frameworks that support globally competent teaching.

Webinars challenged us to reflect on topics like:

• How nationalism and globalism can co-exist

• How to scaffold culturally responsive learning

• What it means to "think glocally" (local action, global mindset)

Assignments like thel Spotlight Challenge and Vision Statement made us apply theory to practice right away.

🌱 Week 3-4: Sustainable Development Goals and Innovative Practices

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

We spent two weeks immersed in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I explored how goals like Quality Education, Climate Action, and Gender Equality connect directly to what I already teach—and how to embed them in meaningful, student-centered projects.

A standout moment?

The inter-school activity where we shared ideas and curriculum with educators around the country.

🎯 Week 5-6: Cultural Responsiveness and Digital Literacy

This unit was a game-changer. We didn’t just study culturally responsive pedagogy—we lived it through our readings, discussions, and collaborative peer feedback.

Highlights included:

• “What Is Culturally Responsive Teaching?” by Jennifer Gonzalez

• Digital tools for teaching media literacy and evaluating sources

• Rubrics to support intercultural communication

The assignments made me look at my classroom with fresh eyes and new strategies.

💡 Week 7-9: Student Voice, Action, and Teacher Leadership

 Designing curriculum that empowers student changemakers.

These final modules focused on turning learning into action. We explored:

• What it means to be a changemaker

• How to build and lead a professional learning community (PLC)

• Ways to help students see themselves as global citizens and problem-solvers

From developing our Global Learning Unit Plans to presenting our takeaways, it was a deep dive into how we can support equity, student voice, and authentic impact.

🧠 Week 10: Reflection and Looking Ahead

The final week pulled everything together. Through peer feedback, self-assessments, and elevator pitches, I reflected on how far I’ve come—and how I plan to carry this work forward.

One quote that stuck with me?

“The world is our classroom. The challenge is helping students see it that way.”

Next up: I’ll be sharing my reflections from the Fulbright Global Education Symposium in Washington, D.C., where this journey truly took shape.