STUDENT PROFILES

Cohort 2 | Cohort 3 | Cohort 4 | Cohort 5

Cohort 2

Bradford Shunn

I live in South Florida and teach high school English right on the Fort Lauderdale/Miami Dade border. I work at a great school with truly amazing diversity- I have students from Cuba, Puerto Rico, the U.S., Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Suriname, and many other places. This year I am teaching English in my school's International Baccalaureate program, so I'm looking forward to applying the principles we learn in the GSE program to my classroom practice. Ultimately, my dream is to teach in South America.

Cohort 3

Cathy Andrew

I graduated with a BA in History from the College of Charleston in South Carolina in 1993. Currently, my family resides in the Los Angeles area; however, my husband's career with transnational corporations has allowed us to live in numerous regions of the US as well as Canada. Being part of the GSE Online program has been an amazing experience. I have always loved learning and taking courses, but this program goes beyond that. The material is not only engaging and thought-provoking. It transcends the program as you become more aware of the forces of globalization working around you. I have begun to look at the world in a different way and to ask questions that I might not have thought of before. This program is about much more than policy or curriculum. We talk about economics, politics, culture and history as well. The highlight for me has been the study abroad tour to South Africa, but each course has been great. I know that when I return to teaching I will be more aware the implications of global events and more capable of helping my students understand multiple perspectives and work through complex global issues and ideas.

Mitchell Beck

I teach English to Freshmen and Sophomores at Barrington High School in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. This is now my fourth year, and - although I'm a little tired of The Odyssey - I still enjoy the school, department, and students very much. I also am an assistant coach for Girls Cross Country and Girls Track and Field. The GSE program has been nothing but wonderful. The faculty and teaching assistants have been pleasant, fun and above all, very knowledgeable of the material. Many times in the past year I have been able to introduce some of the concepts from classes into discussions with the high school students. The program has been instrumental in teaching me to become more aware of the world around us, and if some of that worldview is imparted on my students, I consider their time with me a success.

Aaron Harris

My name is Aaron Harris. I'm a 2002 Graduate of Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois (Go Scots!). I hold a B.A. in Political Sciences as wellas a secondary teaching degree in Social Sciences. I have had 5 years of teaching experience in the public schools, especially at the middle school level where I taught U.S. History. I'm currently not teaching as I complete my Master's Degree. Global issues and politics as well as the idea of Globalization have been a topic that has interested me since my first Political Science course in college. That's probably the main reason I joined the GSE Online program and it has not disappointed. I have been beyond impressed with the knowledge I have gained from amazing teachers and a wonderfully diverse group of fellow students. If there is anyone out there looking for a program that truly shows how this planet is interconnected, look no further than GSE. In my spare time from my current job as a Radiology Assistant, you'll find me at various figure skating competitions (not as a competitor, but as a fan and USFSA member) and remaining actively involved in politics, especially in the fight for civil liberties.

Cindy Howe

My name is Cindy Howe. As a graduate from the University of Washington-Seattle with a degree in American Ethnic Studies, I was looking for a graduate program that would couple my passion for education and global issues. UIUC's GSE program was the perfect choice. Prior to joining Teach for America, I was a former journalist for MAVIN Magazine, an internationally distributed magazine that focuses on the mixed race and transracial adoption experience. I have always been passionate about ending the inequities in American public schools. Additionally, my interests lie in race relations, gender inequalities and abolishing all the other -isms that disenfranchise people globally. After teaching for four years in an urban public school in Atlanta, I am currently teaching K-5 grades virtually with Georgia's first online virtual charter school, Georgia Virtual Academy. The coursework and study abroad experience in South Africa with the GSE program has expanded my perspectives in education and allows me to put theory in to practice on a daily basis. My level of global consciousness has changed because of the GSE program. I think about class discussions and readings in my daily interactions and how actions or lack thereof, can change our world. The experience with GSE program has been beyond measure.

Reese Mattison

My last home in the States was Colorado, but I left in Nov. 2002 for a holiday in Asia/Pacific and have yet to return permanently aside from visits. I migrated to Korea in June 2003, and, after moving around a bit, now live in Seoul working as a lecturer at a university. Although my bachelor's degree is in anthropology, I've been in either art or language education since graduating. The Global Studies in Education program has been a wonderful challenge and cherished instrument for the continuation of my studies.

Will Montepeque

Hola! My name is Will Montepeque. I currently teach Spanish in High School. I am very excited about participating in the GSE program, because I have been able to learn and apply much of the information learned in my life and the life of my students. I think the University of Illinois and their Department of Education are at the forefront of current issues that affect the world today such as Globalization. The GSE program certainly presents those issues and challenges us to think about the implications, benefits, and downfalls of Globalization. I came to the US when I was 19 years-old and have been able to be on both sides of the Globalization issue. I am grateful for having the opportunity to share my own experiences. Certainly I have learned a great deal from professors and students alike. More importantly I have found new classmates around the world with unique experiences, all this without leaving my house.

Uttama Nag

I am originally from India, but have been living in United States for the last 12 years. I currently teach 2nd grade at an elementary school in the Dallas school district, where most of my students are native Spanish speakers. I am really excited about the GSE program and look forward to all the course work. The program in my opinion can provide the necessary tools and knowledge to have a global outlook in education that can be used for educating students in an increasingly multicultural environment.

Kristin Perry

I am a Physical Education teacher at an international school in Berlin, Germany. 10 years of teaching have gone by very quickly--three in St. Louis, one in London and six in Berlin--it has been an amazing journey, both professionally and personally. Living in Europe has given me the opportunity of extensive travel in Europe, Africa and Asia...visiting 32 countries to date. I continue to be awestruck by the diversity around me, not only where I have worked but also where I have lived. It has been an honor and a privilege to be exposed to the various ways of thinking, government ideals, religions, family traditions, social opinions, and cultural customs. GSE has provided me the opportunity to challenge myself in a Master's degree in a program that will not only benefit and augment my abilities as a teacher, but will also enable me to better prepare my students for the international world. I plan to continue teaching internationally and to apply the ideal that we can learn and better ourselves by understanding, appreciating and applying a worldwide outlook to our lives. GSE is an outstanding program and I unconditionally recommend it to prospective students. The faculty and staff are exceptional and the coursework engages you. The members of each cohort form amazing bonds through interaction and collaboration and being 100% online gives complete flexibility as to the location of each student—allowing for students scattered around the world to learn together and also from each other.

Marlene Seda

I have been a Foreign Language Instructor at Centennial High School and Monticello High School for over 18 years. I hold a B.A. in the Teaching of Spanish with a concentration in Spanish contemporary literature and minors in cultural anthropology and psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois. I am a native speaker of Spanish born in Santiago, Cuba, and have traveled extensively throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Africa and Europe, living in Spain for four years where I pursued my interests in Spanish literature, art and culture. I am a certified facilitator of the Cultural Diversity in Education Program and also serve as facilitator/consultant for DiversityWorks, Inc., Champaign, Illinois. I have been and continue to be a member of many educational organizations related to diversity and multicultural education. I am presently an Executive Board member of the University of Illinois Phi Delta Kappa International Educational Association, Chapter #16.

I believe we are all lifelong learners and I continue to improve and find new ways to teach the target language, its culture and the impact on the new global society. I am delighted to be a part of the GSE Graduate Program Cohort #3 to better myself and my understanding in our changing world and thereby challenge my students to do more than just learn to speak the target language, but be a part of a bigger experience which will enhance and enrich their own lives as they seek to become world citizens.

Sarah Shepherd

My name is Sarah Shepherd.   I currently teach middle school Social Studies to a diverse student population at Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences in Sarasota, Florida.   This is my third year as a teacher.   My international experiences include trips to England, France, and South Africa.   The GSE program has been an excellent experience for me.   As an educator, my primary goal is to cultivate my students into informed and active global citizens.   A foundational step in achieving this goal is to provide students with educational experiences within both a globalized and internationalized curriculum.   The GSE program has provided me with insight, resources, and research opportunities that I have already been able to directly apply in my classroom instruction. A highlight of my studies with GSE has been my recent Study Abroad experience to South Africa.   My trip to Africa allowed me to directly experience and explore education and culture in a dynamic international setting.   Working and studying directly with colleagues and professors in the GSE program in Africa was truly a privilege and an experience I will never forget! The GSE program offers an accessible schedule and format for full-time teachers.   The program offers the opportunity to directly interact with both professors and other students in synchronous sessions and forums.   The quality of instruction is exemplary.   I would recommend the GSE program to anyone involved in the field of education who is interested in transforming their classroom into one that actively engages with the surrounding world.   Being a student in the GSE program has made me a better teacher and has allowed me to experience quality graduate education in an affordable format that fits my schedule without compromising quality.  

Rebecca Smith

I am currently teaching at an all-girls Catholic high school in Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC. I love to teach, and the GSE program has helped fuel my passion for teaching and for international awareness. This is my 5th year teaching, and I still love it. I was drawn to the GSE program because I love to travel and learn about new cultures. I have had the opportunity to travel to Western Europe and many parts of Latin America. I feel that the GSE program has taught me a lot about what globalization is and how it is affecting education all over the globe. It is a program designed for educators, which has helped me feel support in a community of others dealing with the same issues and concerns as myself. I also love the flexibility of the GSE program. I still have the freedom to travel all over the country, in addition to actually moving cities mid-program and still being able to keep up with the coursework. I am impressed with the virtual community, group discussions, and group work that is possible in an online program. It is much more interactive than I anticipated. I recommend it for anyone interested in learning about globalization and being able to apply its concepts in the classroom.

Wanda Smith

I am (Wanda) Ruth Smith. I am an Early Childhood Education instructor at Shawnee Community College in Ullin, IL. This is my ninth year in my position. I am also the co-chair for the Student Academic Assessment Committee. I have worked in early childhood education for fifteen years. I have been a parent educator, a home-based teacher and a classroom teacher for the public school. I have enjoyed participating in the synchronous classes, but my most enjoyable experience so far as a GSE student was the study abroad trip to South Africa. There were so many aspects of it that made it a memorable event--being face-to-face with my classmates but having to identify them at first by the sound of their voices; having the opportunity to get to know GSE staff (Dr. Rizvi and Nikki Lamers, along with Tony and Q) on a more personal level than would have otherwise been possible; living among and seeing South Africa through the eyes of its inhabitants (seeing how they live in a way that is far from the tourist approach), and realizing that everyone is effected differently by the ripple effect of globalization; participating in lively discussions regarding globalization that permitted immediate responses (as opposed to non-synchronous discussions); and beginning to come to terms with how to respond to globalization in my own way rather than be content to continue to simply participate in the discourse. I would recommend the GSE online program to others for three reasons: 1) the information is extremely interesting; 2) the synchronous format is very engaging (as opposed to non-synchronous courses); and 3) your fellow classmates are very enjoyable to learn with and from--they are in the same trenches as you on a day-to-day basis. Choosing to enroll in the GSE program has been a very positive experience for me.

Meredith Tarczynski

As a high school English teacher of 12 years, I am always looking for new and interesting subjects to learn. The GSE program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has introduced me to more facets of this gem of an Earth than I can possibly comprehend! While prospective students may believe that this M.Ed. is more suited for Social Studies teachers, it's much more about how each individual impacts and relates to the entire humanity of the world, as well as to the self. While I have not had the good fortune to attend the GSE study abroad trips, I am currently working in conjunction with my high school to forge relationships with university and high school students in China, in order to promote cultural awareness and discussion about education, cultural behavior, and tradition within my high school. This entails US high school students traveling to China for a summer language and culture camp where American students would study alongside Chinese students; we would then be able to reciprocate the gesture at a later time. Furthermore, through technology such as Elluminate and DimDim, US students would be able to converse with Chinese students about modern issues and literature such as pollution, education, and cultural differences. I believe in serendipity; without this program I never would have had the opportunity to help my high school forge in the direction of cultural awareness and globalization, and put to work all that I have learned.

Andrew Wesley

I have been teaching middle school social studies, math, and science in the Detroit area for four years. Most of my experiences have been in urban schools with a high poverty rate. While it is challenging work, it is also very rewarding. After attending Michigan State University and graduating from Wayne State University (Detroit, MI), I wanted a graduate program that would be more than a degree for the pay raise. I found it through the University of Illinois GSE program. The online program allows me to gain insight and hear perspectives from all over the world without leaving the comfort of my home. I've never run into so much diversity in a classroom before.

Bo White

My name is Bo White. Currently, I work within an international relief and development organization and am active in its educational initiatives here and overseas (Food for the Hungry, see www.fh.org based in Phoenix, Arizona). I have been involved in education in various venues: private high school, visiting instructor at both the graduate and undergraduate level, and have been working with high school and college students for 14 years. Prior to graduate study at Illinois, I have done undergraduate work in English and Theatre and graduate work in theology. My international experiences are ongoing and so far include teaching in China and Russia and then work in Europe (2 years in the United Kingdom), South America, Central America, and Asia. My GSE highlights thus far has been the synergy of the subject matter with the social justice and global sphere in which I work. I do hope to continue graduate work in some capacity, focusing on intersections between theology, education, social justice, and the arts. I recommend GSE online for one primary reason: it is sponsored by the University of Illinois and is therefore anchored well. There are scores of online opportunities and this is rapidly increasing, but it's been priceless to have access to the resources of a renowned University that is both reputable and friendly to new ideas and new research. Illinois firmly plants the class discussions in a true University setting that I hope to continue to benefit from as a student and alumnus.

Cohort 4

Staci Abron

As of being in the preliminary stage of my career, I find it is necessary to find a network of individuals that have the passion to talk about topics that are meaningful to me. The cohorts that have been in the educational field much longer than I have been are enthusiastic about sharing their previous research as well as talking about changes in educational policy have effected them personally.

My most recent work focused on extracting data from the Internet/library media and condensing it into a database. In short, my aim was to minimize the time researchers must spend in locating some of the main political groups that are responding on a considerable scale to issues associated with globalization. The database ties in well to the overall goals of the Center for Global Studies. The Center for Global Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign supports linking policy researchers to initiatives, conferences, and service-learning projects that pertain to globalization. Feel free to browse the site at www.cgs.uiuc.edu.

I am in my first year of teaching in Granada, Spain at the official language school (Escuela Oficial de Idiomas). The Ministry of Education and Science allows me to create a curriculum pertaining to the North American culture and its impact globally to mostly Spanish teachers preparing to teach English as a second language.

Liz Drahman

My name is Liz Drahman. Currently I am teaching intercultural communication and global studies in an international school in Bangkok, Thailand. My experience includes teaching ESL to newly arrived immigrants at a US community college and teaching international students at the college level. I began my international experience as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand. The GSE program online has helped me to pull together all my experiences and bring me to new level of understanding of globalization and its dynamics.

Melissa Fleming

My name is Melissa Fleming. I am from Lindenhurst, Illinois. I graduated from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale with a degree in Elementary Education. I am currently working on my Master's in education at the University of Illinois. I am currently working as an English teacher in Anyang, South Korea. I have been here 2 years and no, I am not fluent in Korean. I teach 1-6th grade at a public school. My typical class size is 35+ students. I have been teaching for 4 years. Before coming to Korea I was teaching 5th grade in Harvey, Illinois (south suburbs of Chicago). I suppose you could say I have been an educator for most of my adult life, before teaching I worked at the YMCA, (after school program and summer camp) in daycare centers, and as a nanny. Teaching is in my blood as I come from a long line of educators: my father is a math professor, my mother an Assistant Superintendent, and many other family members are/were teachers. My international experiences are limited to only teaching here in Korea but that's not to say that I haven't learned anything related to teaching, school policy, and culture during my time here. My students continue to teach me new things as do I with them. The biggest way my current course has changed my perspectives is it has changed my way of thinking and buying when it comes to giants like Starbucks and Barnes and Noble. It has also had me asking myself questions like "what's really important" in my teaching and how can I incorporate other cultural views in my classroom?

Annie Galindo

My name is Melissa "Annie" Galindo, and I am currently enrolled in the GSE online master's degree program at the U of I. I have been an educator for six years, and my present position is teaching middle school social studies and reading in Illinois. I am interested in a future career in education reform, possibly working with a global studies program at the National Board of Education, university teacher education program, or a grassroots organization. I have several friends who have traveled around the world, and I live vicariously through them because I have only been to Mexico and the Caribbean. My husband and I like to travel around the U.S. and look forward to going overseas in the future. I have always been interested in maps, geography, and world cultures. I am very excited to be involved in an outstanding higher education environment to which I am able to interact with educators around the world. It has been wonderful to gain so much global perspective just from one class! I know what I've learned so far has benefitted my students and opened their eyes to a bigger and fascinating world.

Tina Gersdorf

My name is is Tina Gersdorf. I teach Ancient World History at Jefferson Middle School and this is my 3rd year teaching. I have traveled around Europe 3 times in my life; once was for chorus in high school and the other two times were for pleasure. I recommend staying in one place for longer than a couple of days to truly feel and experience the culture of a country. The GSE program has really influenced me to constantly evaluate how I am addressing worldly topics with 6th graders. Through these classes, I am able to have deep dialouge with people from all over that cause me to think critically about teaching and because of this, I have been more conscious of the topics I cover in my classroom and how those topics are covered.

Kathleen Kammer Hake

My name is Kathleen Kammer Hake. I have worked in higher education for the last 13 years. I currently work at The Community College of Baltimore County as an adjunct instructor. I teach study skills and reading courses for students who are considered at-risk and/or who have tested into developmental courses to prepare them for college courses. Before teaching at CCBC, I was the Coordinator of Service-Learning and then later the Director of Student Activities at Villa Julie College.

I applied to this program to learn more about education and how educators can prepare students for the the complexities of the 21st century. I hoped to meet other passionate educators who want to make a difference in the world. I also wanted to be a part of the conversation about globalization and education. The GSE program has exceeded my expectations! The readings and assignments, the discussions, the professors, the doctoral students, the technology, and my cohort - have all helped me to broaden and deepen my knowledge and awareness as a teacher and as a human being. Each week I learn something new or am asked to think in a new way. For example, currently I am learning how feminism has informed and influenced the globalization discussion. It has been a wonderful educational journey so far and I look forward to the remaining courses!

Amina Iqbal

I live in the Northern Virginia/DC area and teach Electives at a private, diverse, all-female middle and high school. I have traveled to over a dozen foreign countries which allowed me to learn about many cultures, traditions and religions. I consider myself an educator and as an educator the dynamics between providing for education at the highest global standards while working within the bounds of local infrastructure greatly interest me. Through this wonderful program, I am gaining valuable perspective on the effects of globalization on education, and am also becoming a more effective educator.


Lucinda Morgan

My name is Lucinda Morgan and I am the Language Development Program Coordinator at the Grand Canadian Academy (GCA) high school in Nanjing, China. I have taught ESL classes for one and a half years at GCA and I am the Library Supervisor, Director of the Summer Camp Program, and a member of the school's Management Team. Prior to teaching at GCA, I taught English Education majors for one year at Taishan University in Tai'an, China, and for two years at the Jiangsu Provincial Institute of Education in Nanjing. I received my B.A. from Wittenberg University, where I majored in East Asian Studies and minored in Religion. I received my TEFL Certification from St. Michael's College. I studied abroad at Fudan University and East China Normal University in Shanghai. Studying Chinese, Chinese economics, and Sino-U.S. relations inspired me to pursue work in China. When I'm not teaching or studying, I enjoy biking, reading, dancing, and traveling. I have traveled extensively around China, as well as trips to Nicaragua, Laos, the Philippines, and Malaysia. My GSE coursework is changing her perspective in the ways in which I see globalization occurring in China, and specifically among my students, as they are predominantly Chinese students who are completing a dual high school diploma (British Columbia curriculum in addition to their Chinese curriculum), in preparation for their university studies in Canada and the United States. My current research interests include the affects of globalization involving English usage and identity in Nanjing.

Saras Reddy

I'm from South Africa (a little coastal town, called Port Shepstone-just outside of Durban), but I am currently (temporarily )in North Carolina. I teach High School English. I love teaching, (even though my family thinks I'm quite crazy) and contrary to popular belief I did not leave South Africa because I had bought into the idea of the American Dream. I simply wanted to broaden my experience, and an opportunity presented itself. I have completed the course work for a Master's in Social Justice in Education in South Africa. I am passionate about equipping my learners to take their place as responsible global citizens. My challenge is to incorporate the knowledge, values and attitudes that are pivotal for such leaders into an ethos that is so test-score orientated.

Braden Rico

I teach language arts classes in Taiwan. As someone whose tumbleweed past includes teaching in Nepal, China, Japan and Taiwan, I was looking for an online course that could do two things for me -- offer me an advanced degree while also helping me to explore the dynamics of global interconnectivity. The College of Education's GSE's themes are interdisciplinary, exposing me to a wide range of issues and ideas that I will explore in the classroom as I work with students towards understanding what is defining the modern world.

Robert Saum

Dr. Robert Saum is the Director of Florida Online @ Daytona Beach College. As Director he is responsible for overseeing the overall academic, technological, and financial needs of Florida Online. He works closely with faculty and staff to ensure the success of their courses. He grew up with technology and has worked in a variety of technical jobs for both the academic and corporate sectors.

Brittany Verrette

I graduated from UIUC in 2005 as an English/Secondary Education major, and I am currently a high school English teacher working for Chicago Public Schools. My high school is a very diverse school on the south side, and I am also a teacher in the Middle Years Programme which has an international focus.

I am also a student council co-sponsor, American Literature curriculum leader, and also enjoy teaching ACT prep each spring. I live in the heart of the city and enjoy travel, reading, trying new restaurants, exploring Chicago, my dog Rocky, and my husband Dave. I'm in this program to become more educated about different cultures and their relationship with education. I love teaching and learning about other cultures.

Cohort 5


Brandon Brown

I have been teaching in Wapello, IA for the last four years.  I spend most of my extra time coaching high school girls and boys sports.  In the winter I am the assistant girls basketball coach and in the summer I am the head varsity baseball coach. These activities have kept me busy and unable to do any type of masters work. However, when I found this program, I realized the unbelievable opportunity that it provides. Being online, I am able to balance work, coaching, and the upcoming birth of my first child. This online program has given me the wonderful opportunity of furthering my education at my own pace.

Jennifer Clemons

Hi everyone! I completed my undergrad in International Studies in 2006. My
focus of study was Latin American/Caribbean Immigration to the U.S. and the
cultural influences that being in the U.S. has on immigrant families. I
recently decided to further my education and learn more about the educational
impacts and benefits or lack of benefits that are experienced by immigrant and
even refugee children in the U.S.

Kristen Damberger

I am a Montana native, born and bred, but now live in Palm Springs, CA.  After graduating from Montana State University in 2006, I immediately moved down to Southern California to teach.  I graduated with a BS in Elementary Education as well as a BS in Psychology (teaching was the backup plan until I realized how much I loved it).  Now, in my second year of teaching 6th grade Language Arts and Social Studies, I think I've learned more in two years than I did in five years of college.  On top of teaching, I coach high school volleyball, as well as club volleyball, and middle school intramurals.  But, I didn't think I was quite busy enough and couldn't wait to learn more and as I was looking around for graduate programs I found the GSE program and knew it was for me.  I am fascinated with the world outside the United States especially when it comes to education.  After a semester overseas student-teaching in London, I caught the global bug thus the GSE program works perfectly into my life, my classroom, and my future in the world of education.

Kathleen Duffy

I am currently teaching 7th grade History and English at a middle school in Barrington, IL. I also coach volleyball and tutor adult ESL students in my free time. I am very excited about this program, especially as it applies to multiculturalism in schools. I love taking classes and learning (I am a huge nerd) and so far what I love most about this program is taking part in the discussions.  I feel like I have learned a lot from other members of the cohort.

Ellen Ericson

I am a graduate of the University of Illinois where I received an undergraduate degree in the Teaching of Spanish. I have been teaching Spanish for about 11 years. I have taught all levels from kindergarten to adults but am currently teaching both at Mahomet-Seymour Junior High School to 7 th and 8 th graders as well as at Mahomet-Seymour High School to 9 th graders. I lived in Spain as an exchange student as a teenager and have continued my foreign travels throughout a large part of Mexico. The past five years, most of my travel has been to Juárez, México serving as a member of mission teams. While there, I have helped build a medical clinic, an educational wing for a church and homes for impoverished families. I have wanted to pursue a masters degree for quite some time now. However, caring for my two children until they were old enough to enter school took priority.   When I found this program, I knew it was perfect – flexible and focusing on a topic that I find extremely interesting! Although I have only been a part of the program for a short time, I have already found that this program has opened up many doors to me, professionally, personally and academically.

Kim Este

I live in a small town in Mississippi about 100 miles north of New Orleans and have lived within a mile of my current home my entire life.   I received a degree in history from the University of Southern Mississippi , and I began my teaching career at a very rural public school.   After eight years at the school, I recently began teaching English and history at a residential public arts school. Students from throughout the state who are talented in performing, visual, or literary arts go through a competitive audition process to attend.  

I enjoy cooking, entertaining, and, like every social studies teacher, traveling.   I try to visit somewhere new each summer, often taking advantage of the many fellowships available to educators. I also lead groups of students on travel/study programs in Europe each spring. In addition to my regular classes, I teach professional development classes to Mississippi educators through the state department of education. As the president-elect of the Mississippi Council for the Social Studies, I spend a lot of time sharing resources with other educators.

I was looking for a flexible master's program that not only interested me, but would also work with my schedule. Through NCSS, I learned of the GSE program. I realized that, considering my schedule and my interests, this was a perfect “fit.” I am excited about the upcoming opportunities to learn from the professors and from my colleagues!

Michael Fileta

Hello everyone! I am glad to be a part of this incredibly unique community. I currently live in the Washington, DC area. I am taking a break from classroom teaching this semester. I've just returned home from two long years in Seoul, South Korea where I taught English and Science at an Elementary School. Before Korea, I taught at a low-income New York City public school, where I was a 6th grade Science and Math teacher. Also, my first teaching experience, which is where I discovered my love for teaching, was at an outdoor science school in Big Bear, California.

I graduated from the University of Maryland College Park, where I studied Cultural and Urban Geography. During and after college, I had the opportunity to study abroad in India and South Korea.

I am interested in teaching in diverse classroom settings as well as incorporating technology into the classroom. I am a self-proclaimed musician and filmmaker (I make films for my students, not for PBS or anything serious like that). I also enjoy studying languages. I like to practice my sparse understanding of Hindi, Korean and Arabic whenever I can. I am excited to have the opportunity to collaborate and exchange ideas with all of you.

Ray Fini

I'm an 8th grade geography & 7th grade U.S. History teacher at Maplewood Middle School located just outside of Saint Paul (Maplewood is where 3m is located). I've been teaching since 2000. I also am the head coach of our cross country and track teams. I grew up in Indiana and went to undergraduate at Depauw University and then got my teaching license at Indiana University (Go Hoosiers!). I moved to Minnesota to take a teaching job, because I had spent 7 summers after undergrad living and working in Ely, MN guiding canoe and hiking trips through the BWCA and wanted to be close to this. I now live in Saint Paul, I'm married, and have 1 daughter who's about to turn 10 months. I still run, love to bike, hike, canoe, and always travel somewhere over the summer to do this. I'm excited about this program and looking forward to getting to know you.

Mary Davis Fournier

I'm a program director for the American Library Association's Public Programs office, where I develop and manage humanities-based educational programs and resources that are distributed to through public, school and academic libraries to users ranging from P-16 teachers, to informal education facilitators, and to counselors for incarcerated youth. This program seemed to be a perfect place to pursue my interest in the global flow of information and education models, especially informal education and the arts and humanities. My background is in history, literature and journalism. I have extensive professional experience in arts education and nonprofit administration. I'm involved on a volunteer basis in the theater, philanthropic and non-profit community in Chicago.

Kenneth Gunther

I teach Computer Science and am the IB Diploma Coordinator here in Daejeon, South Korea. I worked in Nairobi, Kenya from '87 to '97 as the computer coordinator and also taught computer, science and math classes. I really love teaching middle school science, but somehow seem to take on other things as schools have needs.

My wife of 26 years is a school counselor and we've managed to raise 3 kids to the teenage years in this "global nomad" lifestyle. Our oldest is now at Knox College there in Illinois! Our daughter is in the IB program and our youngest son is in the 10th grade.

For hobbies, I prefer fishing, but when the weather is bad, like it is now, I tend to waste time tearing apart my computers and putting Linux on them in various versions. I've recently become a bit more interested in keeping plants alive around the house especially after visiting the Singapore National Orchid Garden (wow, best day trip in Singapore for me!).

Dorothy Hayes

Currently I am taking my first class with the Global Studies in Education program. As a Generalist (Certified Eng/Math/Sci/SS 4-12) teacher working in 7th Grade Language Arts at a Title I school near Houston, Texas, I feel GSE will be positive and enriching. My first career was as an air traffic controller in the U.S. Navy . Although I thoroughly enjoyed my profession, I found that I had a 'knack' in the area of training which eventually led me into the path of teaching. Needless to say, it has become a second passion, and I absolutely love it. Acceptance into the GSE program has been an outstanding experience. The staff, TA's, coordinator/director, and Dr. Rizvi have all been supportive, flexible, communicative, kind, and the epitome of professionalism in every way. Online courses normally lack the "connections" that I found so interesting while attending university. However, unlike past online courses I have taken, this class/program is very interactive, and I would presume on the cutting edge of online education by using synchronous distance learning. While pursuing my masters, I am now, and also look forward to actually "hearing" distinguished and prolific scholars in the field of education as if I were actually in the classroom with them. Also, the vocal and visual communication connecting students (fellow classmates) from China to New York to Texas is allowing active real-time collaboration. I am thrilled to be a part of it all, and I would recommend this program highly.

Kushay How

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the North Carolina State University and have worked in the private sector for 14 years in information technology in the US and Asia.  I took a hiatus of 5 years when my second child was two years old.  It was too difficult to juggle motherhood, working life, and traveling without sacrifing quality time with my family.  When my son attended first grade, I decided to go back to school to get a alternate teaching certificate from Illinois State University.  I worked at Franklin Middle School and Deland-Weldon High School before relocating to Beijing in June 2007 due to my husband's job.  Currently, I am working as a part-time substitute teacher at the International School of Beijing and volunteer as a Committee Member in the Future's Committee.

Having traveled and lived in several countries, I am always intrigued by the local history, culture and educational policy of these nations.  This GSE program is giving me the opportunity to continue my journey as a life-long learner. My family has been supportive, especially my daughter who is about to embark on the college adventure herself later this year.  Along the way, I know I will meet and learn much from people who are passionate about education.

Kimberly Lebovitz

Currently I am living in Chicago, Illinois, but I was born and raised in Brookfield, Illinois.  I received my Bachelor's in 2000 from Western Illinois University in Elementary Education with a minor in Social Sciences.  I began teaching at the school I graduated from as a 6th Grade Social Studies, Math, and Science teacher.  My first two years were spent there, and then I decided since I was moving to the city I might as well work there.  I spent one year at a South Side school and 4 years at a West Side school.  At the school on the West Side I spent 3 years as an International Baccalaureate Middle Years Humanities Teacher for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. During this time I also received a Masters in Teaching and Leadership from St. Xavier University.  My last year there I was offered the job as the IB Middle Years Coordinator, and I jumped at the chance.  As the coordinator at that school, I was given the opportunity by my central office administrator to become the coordinator for both the Primary and Middle Years Programmes at my current school, John M. Smyth Magnet School.  I have always loved to travel and see the world, but being a part of the IB programme is where I got the bug to find another graduate program in Global Studies, and lucky for me I read my Center for International Studies Newsletter from the University of Chicago methodically, which is where I found out about the GSE program.  I have only been in the GSE program for a short time, but I can already tell that this program is going to open my eyes even more globally, and I am going to be able to bring an even better international minded focus to my job, school, staff, and students. 

Craig Lindvahl

I have been teaching music and band in Tetutopolis, Illinois since 1979. For the last five years I have also taught a class in television production, where students produce both fiction and non-fiction work. The class is a joint effort between Teutopolis Unit 50 and Effingham Unit 40, and my teaching partner is the Illinois Teacher of the Year. Teaching the class is an amazing experience. We have a film festival coming up-check it out at www.effingham.k12.il.us/aha. I also own a small production company, Callan Films, which produces documentaries that air on PBS stations around the country. You can visit our website, www.callanfilms.com to get a better idea of what we do. My work as a musician and filmmaker has taken me to something like 20 countries and 48 states (somehow I've missed Oregon and North Dakota), and I've worked with students from about 25 countries. I've waited this long to pursue a master's because I was never willing to give up the time and income to obtain a master's strictly to move up on the salary schedule. When I found this program, however, I knew it was something that I would undertake for all the right reasons.

Veronica McDaniel

I am currently in my third year of teaching. I teach 4th-9th grade Spanish, PE and Health at Atlanta International School, using the International Baccalaureate curriculum. I coach year round to middle and upper school girls in mostly basketball and soccer, although I also dabble in coaching volleyball and track and field. I am half-Colombian and I was born in France, and am trilingual. I was very fortunate to travel a lot with my family while growing up and studied in Chile for a semester in college. I thrive in a multi-cultural, global environment and this graduate program is exactly what I was looking for. The diversity in interests and people, along with a supportive faculty and challenging coursework makes this program stimulating and exciting for me, as an educator in the 21st Century.

Jessica Noonan

I am a graduate of Loyola University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies. I currently work as a Research Assistant in the Center on Outcomes, Research and Education for a large medical organization which includes three hospitals and a Research Institute. My department's focus is on Quality of Life, particularly in chronic illness. I am originally from Chicago, where I currently reside, and I have lived in Madison, WI and Alicante, Spain. I love to travel and would welcome the opportunity to live and work in another country. My goal is to someday teach at the college level and a few of my research interests are globalization and its affect on culture, immigration, and the comparitive histories of education around the world. I am honored to be a part of Cohort 5 and have a very high opinion of the program so far. I look forward to continuing to share ideas and collaborate with others in the program on work involving educational policies as well as studying global trends in education.

Cheryl Parmenter

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin by the time I reached my sophomore year of high school I was bitten by the travel bug. I spent a semester as an exchange student in Spain during high school learning about the language and culture in Central and Southern Spain. I went on to receive my B.A in History, Education and Politics from Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin. While there I spent a year abroad in Hull, England. Using Hull as my home base I continued my travels across Europe visiting six countries and countless cities. Upon returning to Wisconsin I found a temporary job teaching Western Civilizations and Geography for the year. Thankfully a full-time job worked its way out of the cosmos and I am currently an Illinois transplant, teaching Modern World History in Gurnee. When searching for a Masters program I did not want to pursue only Education or History, I wanted to find balance. The GSE program is that perfect balance. The people within this program, on all levels, are extremely knowledgeable and diverse. In an age of teaching where our classrooms are becoming more diverse it is really wonderful to know that what we are learning about in class and from each other will translate to our classrooms.

Jeffrey Schagrin

I'm currently in Cohort 5 and am in the beginning stages of what has already proven to be an exciting, rewarding, and collaborative academic experience. I chose the GSE program because of its practical and theoretical focus on strengthening our understanding of education and the global forces that act upon it. The program's use of technology allows me to interact with fellow students from around the world. My cohort is made up of people that come from a wide variety of experiences and professions, which allows for amazing discussion and dialogue during our weekly sessions - each person brings something unique to the table. Lastly, the program lets me continue to teach while pursuing my degree. I currently teach history and government in a suburban high school just north of Chicago.

Jennifer Stroyan

My name is Jen Stroyan, and I reside in Bloomington, Illinois with my husband, Peter, and my dog, Myles. We are expecting our first child, a baby boy, in May. I am a sixth grade social studies and language arts teacher, and I used to coach both track and cross country; however, I have recently "retired" to pursue a master's degree and to become a mother. I received my bachelor's degree in elementary education with a middle school endorsement from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2003. I am extremely excited to be going back to school to pursue a master's degree.

Jennifer Vito

I am a graduate of Bentley College in Waltham , MA with a Bachelor's in Marketing/International Studies. I currently work for UnitedHealthcare as a training consultant for the Southeast territory (althought I live in Connecticut ) which basically means that I travel 60% of the time to hospitals in the Southeast states to train their staff on our company's website. I was born and raised in Connecticut although I have spent time living in Boston, London and Charlotte, NC. I am very interested in International Education, hence my reasons for enrolling in the GSE program. Although I haven't narrowed down my specific area of interest, I am passionate about international schools and curriculum development as well as new school development abroad.

Karen Widdowson

I am currently a K-2 special education teacher in Fox River Grove, IL.  I am new to teaching having just recently earned my Master's Degree in Special Education.  I have worked with individuals with special needs since I was sixteen. (Many years now!)  I have three children aged 12, 8 and 6.  I have lived in England, Australia and New Zealand and in my life before kids, travelled quite a bit. I am especially interested in multiculturalism and the importance of global awareness in education.

John Willoughby

I currently live in South Korea with my wife of nine years Heather, and our three children Sara(6), Silas (5), and Nina(2).  We have been here for three years.  Before Korea we lived in Tallahassee , Florida where I taught history and Psychology at an IB school.  I am still teaching IB here in Korea as well as leading the Boy Scouts.  I am an avid road bike rider and am really enjoying the subtle mountains and valleys here in the land of the morning calm. I used to run my own construction company in Tallahassee both before and while I was teaching.  I love teaching and I really enjoy teaching overseas.

 

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