Learning journey to prepare Dickson, students as global citizens

The NEA Foundation, a public charity founded by educators for educators, today named Marie Dickson, a Special Education teacher at McMahon Elementary in Lewiston as a 2020 NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellow. As a fellow, Dickson will spend a year in a peer learning network of 44 educators from across the country, building their comprehension of issues of global significance and ability to bring them into the classroom.

The 2020 fellows teach all grade levels and all subjects: from visual and performing arts; to special education; to library media; to history. They work in rural, suburban, and urban schools. Beyond the classroom they are National Board Certified, curriculum coaches, advisors, foreign language speakers, and more. The fellows reflect the diverse workforce of public education, which allows them to learn from each other and to bring global perspectives to a wide range of students. They share a passion for global education and an unwavering commitment for preparing America’s students with 21st century skills.

“The new Global Learning Fellowship class joins a dynamic peer learning community like no other,” said Sara A. Sneed, president and CEO of the NEA Foundation. “The fellowship has a decade-long track record of fostering collaboration among educators and enhancing their ability to prepare students for an increasingly interconnected world.”

“The MEA is excited for Marie to begin her journey as a NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellow. Receiving professional development, on a global scale, will enrich the education of Dickson’s special education students in Lewiston,” said MEA President Grace Leavitt.

Over the course of a year, the NEA Foundation staff, partners, and program alumni will support the fellows as they immerse themselves in online coursework, webinars, and collegial study, including a two-day professional development workshop this fall and a nine day international field study next summer in Peru. The field study brings the cohort together as they investigate the historical and cultural context of the country they visit and interact with local educators, students, administrators, and policy-makers; make school visits; and hear from business and non-profit leaders.

The 2020 fellows will use what they learn during the year to prepare their students for global citizenship. They will also share their methods for globalizing instructional practice and advocate in their communities and beyond for global education.

Get to know all of the 2020 NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellows by visiting neafoundation.org.

The NEA Foundation will begin accepting applications for the 2021 Global Learning Fellowship this fall.

Marie Dickson, Lewiston Education Association

Editor’s Note: Please use our correct name, the NEA Foundation. The “NEA” is never spelled out in our name. It is not the National Education Association Foundation.

About the NEA Foundation

The NEA Foundation is a public charity founded by educators for educators to improve public education for all students. Celebrating our 50th anniversary this year, the Foundation has served as a laboratory of learning, offering funding and other resources to public school educators, their schools, and districts to solve complex teaching and learning challenges. We elevate and share educator solutions to ensure greater reach and impact on student learning. We believe that when educators unleash their own power, ideas, and voices, communities, schools, and students all benefit.Visit neafoundation.org for more information. Find us on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to our blog.