Educators Explore China, Connect with Teachers and Students

This April, 13 educators from Massachusetts had an unforgettable experience. Following the completion of a preparatory course about the history, culture, and peoples of China, the group of teachers and administrators traveled to Shanghai, Xi'an, and Beijing to encounter life in China first-hand. In each city, participants visited historical sites, toured museums, and sampled cuisine at local restaurants. Additionally, this study tour provided a unique opportunity for participants to deeply engage with Chinese students and teachers through a teaching immersion program. Over the course of 16 days, the teachers and administrators traveling together developed friendships, acquired knowledge and resources, and learned valuable lessons about themselves and the vast and complex country of China.

Partner Spotlight: Barefoot Books

Primary Source is pleased to partner with Barefoot Books, a unique publishing company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Bath, England. Read on to hear from Barefoot Books about why they support global education and Primary Source.

Student Q & A: Burlington High School

Teachers and administrators in the Burlington Public Schools have participated in Primary Source courses and study tours for many years. As a result of this partnership, Burlington High School has developed a Global Competency Certificate program for students. This spring, the first group of students will graduate with a Global Competency Certificate. The program is designed to foster students' interest in the larger world beyond the confines of Massachusetts and the United States, with a focus on becoming members of the global community. Students who participate are recognized for building knowledge that is essential for making a contribution to a global society.

Saikrishna Kugabalasooriar, currently a senior at Burlington High School, participated in the Global Competency program and recently shared his thoughts about global education and educational travel.

Latin America Work Connects Teachers with Diverse Student Populations

With the help of Primary Source, teachers are able to bring history and culture from around the globe to New England's students. In many schools, however, the diversity of the student population means that a variety of languages and cultures are already present in the classroom.

Red Sox Ticket Raffle

Would you like a chance to see the Red Sox play at Fenway Park? Do you want to support Primary Source? Here's an exciting opportunity to do both!

The law firm of Foster and Eldridge, LLP has generously donated two (2) tickets to see the Boston Red Sox play the Florida Marlins at 7:05 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17th. The seats are located in Section 12, Box 101, Row MM Seats 1 & 2. These tickets are valued at $170.

Primary Source Awarded Major National Endowment for the Humanities Grant

In April 2009, the National Endowment for the Humanities awarded Primary Source with a grant that will support two August 2009 teacher conferences in Boston. The award is just one of three given in the United States this year and is designated as a We the People project by the NEH.

New Online Curriculum Site from Primary Source

Primary Source is rapidly expanding its online resources for educators. In addition to an online course on ancient China planned for the 2009-2010 school year, the organization is building a web-based curriculum site, Primary Source World.

21st Century Administrators: Leading Globally Minded Districts Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Leadership Academy, Spring 2009

What does it mean to be a globally-minded school leader? How can Massachusetts school leaders support teachers & students to develop a district-wide culture of global understanding?

Primary Source Remembers John Hope Franklin

African American history scholar John Hope Franklin passed away on March 25, 2009, in Durham, North Carolina, at the age of 94.

Global Education Massachusetts Winners Plan International Projects

With support from the Longview Foundation, Primary Source and Global Education Massachusetts (GEM) have awarded grants to the Boston, Amherst-Pelham, and Masconomet school districts. The winning districts were recognized for their proposals to integrate global perspectives and 21st century skills into school curricula, including Boston's plan to improve student achievement through internationally themed writing projects, a new African studies program in Amherst-Pelham, and a global education diploma in Masconomet.