2022-2023 AFS Effect+ for the Classroom

AFS Effect+ for the Classroom is a virtual capacity-building program that aims to equip teachers to introduce students to the UN SDGs and develop lifelong intercultural skills to make progress toward these goals.

The 2022-23 edition of the Effect+ for the Classroom Program includes:

the 6-week Global Up Educator virtual learning certification, with five options of start date (15 October and 12 November 2022, 21 January, 18 February and 18 March 2023);
access to teaching resources on the SDGs and Active Global Citizenship, tools for self-reflection, monthly live sessions, and connection with other teachers from around the world in a virtual community to share experiences and best practices (teachers will have access from enrollment in Global Up Educator until the end of the program in June 2023), and
the opportunity to get international recognition for a social impact project on the SDGs developed by students with their teachers’ guidance through the 2023 Cyril Taylor Young Leaders Awards (between May-June 2023).

The program is only available via scholarship award. Applications are now open!

Apply now

The program is available only via scholarship award. Apply now.

For more information about the application and selection process please see the FAQ below.

Applicants to the 2022-23 Effect+ for the Classroom Program must meet all of the following criteria:

Serve as a high-school (secondary level) teacher

Selected applicants will be asked to provide proof that they are currently serving as high school (secondary level) teachers for 14-18-year-old students.

Language: English

Interests & Availability

Interest in global citizenship education, education for sustainable development and experiential learning methodologies,
Curiosity and willingness to interact with diverse global peers and explore different cultures and ways of teaching.
Availability to complete the Global Up Educator online learning certification (approximately 2-3 hours per week for 6 weeks) and to use at least one of the activities from the Educator Toolkit with your students (minimum 15-45-minute lesson plan).

Technology

Diversity

What are the dates of the Effect+ for the Classroom program?

The Global Up Educator virtual learning certification will run for six consecutive weeks, with five options of start date (15 October and 12 November 2022, 21 January, 18 February and 18 March 2023);
Applications for each cohort will be open up to 10 days before each start date.
Access to teaching resources on the SDGs and Active Global Citizenship, tools for self-reflection, monthly live sessions, and connection with other teachers from around the world in a virtual community will be available from participating teachers’ enrollment date in Global Up Educator until the end of the program in June 2023,
The submissions to get international recognition for a social impact project on the SDGs developed by students with their teachers’ guidance through the 2023 Cyril Taylor Young Leaders Awards will be open between May-June 2023.

What will I do in the Effect+ for the Classroom program?

No matter which subject you teach, the AFS Effect+ for the Classroom Program will help you develop cultural self-awareness, empathy for other cultures, and ways to build bridges in multicultural classrooms. You will also learn about key concepts and principles of global citizenship education, and how to foster it with your students.

Selected by UNESCO-APCEIU as one of the Education for Intercultural Understanding & Global Citizenship Education Best Practices in 2021, the AFS Effect+ for the Classroom Program will support teachers as they learn to both become Globally Competent themselves and how to develop Global Competence in their students. During this program, participants will:

Explore different views, cultures and ways of life in a collaborative virtual learning environment
Make local and global connections with other educators interested in Global Citizenship Education
Experience different training and teaching styles
Earn a certificate of completion indicating the number of hours of engagement, types of activities and topics covered

How do the virtual activities work? What if I miss one of the activities?

The 6-week virtual learning certification consists of both “live” synchronous activities (dialogue sessions on Zoom with your global peers, led by certified AFS facilitators) each week, as well as self-paced/asynchronous content (online video modules, discussion forums, case studies and quizzes).
From participating teachers’ start date in Global Up Educator (one of the following, depending on availability: 15 October 2022; 12 November 2022; 21 January, 18 February and 18 March 2023) until the end of the program in June 2023, you will have access to teaching resources on the SDGs and Active Global Citizenship, tools for self-reflection, and connection with other teachers from around the world in a virtual community,
You’ll learn about topics such as teaching the UN SDGs and globally competent teaching and will be asked to use at least one of the activities from the Educator Toolkit with your students.
Participation will require approximately 2-3 hours of your time each week during the first 6 weeks of engagement in the program and about 2-3 hours per month
The virtual program is designed to be flexible enough that it can fit around your schedule.
The live sessions will be offered at multiple times to accommodate diverse time zones and schedules.
Participants will be able to indicate desired scheduling preferences for the live sessions.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Applicants must serve as high school (secondary level) teachers for 14-18-year-old students.
Must be able to participate fully in activities (online modules, discussion forums and live dialogue sessions) conducted entirely in English.
Demonstrated interest in global citizenship education, education for sustainable development and interacting with different cultures.
Motivated teachers from all backgrounds who reflect the diversity of populations around the world, particularly underrepresented populations, are strongly encouraged to apply!