The Global Education Program is committed to a current set of initiatives that will provide excellent opportunities for the Maumee Valley and greater Toledo communities. As the program continues to grow, the GEP staff also has an eye toward the future, specifically the following:
Video Conferencing Capabilities
While it is not always possible to bring international scholars to Toledo, technology creates an opportunity to connect with virtually anyone. The GEP plans to invest in equipment that will allow our community to communicate, observe, and collaborate with leaders, thinkers, and even other students in all corners of the world.
Expanded Foreign Language Program
As part of the strategic planning process, a subcommittee was formed to evaluate Maumee Valley's current foreign language offerings, examine language programs at other independent schools, and make suggestions regarding the feasibility and benefits of possible foreign language program additions. Current plans are under way to expand foreign language work in the Lower School and offer Chinese as an after school activity.
Student Exchange
Winterim provides the opportunity for many Upper School students to spend four weeks overseas as part of their curriculum. The Global Education Program foresees an expansion of this program, sponsoring students to study at a school oveseas during 11th grade or as a post-graduate experience through the English Speaking Union Scholarship program. As part of this initiative, the GEP will also work to increase the number of foreign students who study at Maumee Valley through exchanges.
Teacher Exchange
Faculty and students benefit when visiting teachers spend a year at Maumee Valley, sharing ideas from their country and school, exposing students and colleagues to their culture, and providing a different perspective to the community. Similarly, Maumee Valley teachers develop professionally and personally when they spend a year working in a new environment and teaching overseas. Sustained partnerships with schools abroad provide a natural avenue for teacher exchanges in the future.
Competitive Model UN Program
Maumee Valley has a strong tradition of using Model United Nations as a hand-on learning tool for 10th graders when studying international politics. Model UN promotes problem solving, teamwork, research, and conflict resolution. To further these skils, the Global Education Program plans to sponsor a Model UN Team for the Upper School that competes at conferences throughout the region.
Partnerships with Schools Abroad
Endless opportunities are presented when schools partner to exchange ideas, teach one another about their histories and cultures, and students form relationships that include pen pals and travel. Video conferencing equipment is key to this initiative. The National Association of Independent School's Challenge 20/20 is the first step as we team up with a school abroad to form a solution to a global problem.
Global Education Summer Institute
Middle School students throughout Northwest Ohio will have the opportunity to explore international issues, read and discuss articles, listen to scholars, and actively learn about other cultures during the summer months much like Maumee Valley students do during the school year. Activities will include international cooking, guest lectures, Model UN type simulation, and a variety of other engaging and enriching experiences for rising 7th and 8th graders.
Toledo Council on World Affairs
Based on similar organizations in Cleveland, Dayton, and throughout the country, the Global Education Program envisions the creation of a nonprofit organization that primarily works to engage and inform Northwest Ohio regarding international issues and opportunities for citizens to work collectively for peace and cultural understanding. While originally formed by the GEP, the Council will be markedly separate from the school and financially self-sustaining.
