Philosophy
Global Source is a leader in helping teachers and schools chart the landscape of critical and under-served areas of education,
including topics such as human rights
and globalization, hot spots like Tibet and Burma, support for Social Studies in order to meet WA State standards, and dialogues on significant contemporary
events—both locally and globally.
The hundreds of teachers we serve are not mere statistics but individuals whose stories we have heard. We know that Global Source programs will connect children with the farm next door, put a human touch on Human Rights, and make foreign cultures like Tibet and Mexico come alive for growing minds.
We believe these lived experiences are the most viable and sustainable model for education.
We recognize that human capital is the best investment. Children will grow up and change the world.
Our Staff and Network of Support
Global Source consists of two dedicated staff members working closely with a network of individual experts and organizations. We are committed to concepts such as children are our future, the power of making choices that lead to positive outcomes, and that it is a priority to actively consider issues of sustainability in our daily lives. Our dream is to continue making significant contributions to K-12 education. Sharing this dream with others energizes us.
Global Source was founded by teachers and has always worked for teachers. As a small and agile non-profit, we fill an important niche not covered by universities, school districts, or other large organizations. Teachers report that they benefit greatly from our programs both because of the collegial exchanges not normally available to them as well as the experiential content.
We have long worked with a network of other professional individuals and organizations such as Ed Mikel and Jonathan Scherch both with Antioch University Seattle, Walter Parker-University of Washington, and Caleb Perkins-OSPI.
As we meet with potential volunteers and task force members we find they share our enthusiasm about richer and more authentic educational possibilities. Our confidence in our mission and methods has been validated by an increasing demand for our programs.
Who We Serve
Global Source Education, located in Washington State, serves educators in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
We offer ongoing opportunities to become more informed on the crucial issues facing our schools and humanity worldwide.
Our audience is all those interested in integrating community life with school experiences.
Founded in 1999, Global Source Education has directly served more than 1800 educators (80% public schools, 20% independent schools), through more than 50 programs,
featuring more than 250 presenters. Our audience has primarily been located in Washington State with a more concentrated presence in the Puget Sound Region.
We have also offered programs in Oregon, California, New York, Minnesota, and Massachusetts.
Participating in Global Source workshops, professional dialogues, and teaching collaborative has enabled me to interact
with an extraordinary cohort of fellow educators on an intellectual level not afforded to most teachers during regular school hours.
I always leave their functions feeling professionally and personally rejuvenated, nourished, and supported.
The immense support and encouragement
I have received from this intensely professional group of educators has enabled me to find the courage needed to continue my most
important work as a teacher: encouraging participatory democratic citizens
to find new ways of living with one another in a global age.
—Shan Oglesby, Kamiak High School, Global Source Member
