Best of the Week 2019-2020: Teaching to the Future
ST. ED'S WELCOMES JOE CIMPERMAN TO SPEAK ABOUT INTERNATIONAL MINDEDNESS WITH IB DIPLOMA PROGRAM FACULTY
On Tuesday, Joe Cimperman, President of Global Cleveland, a non-profit committed to attracting, welcoming and connecting international newcomers to opportunities in Cuyahoga County, served as the guest speaker and presenter at this month's IB Diploma Program faculty meeting. St. Ed's IB Diploma Program offers a rigorous academic program for students who desire a curriculum that presents subject matter from a worldwide perspective. The goal of the IB program is to develop internationally-minded people and provide an education that explores diverse, global content. By embracing Cleveland's cultural heritage and cultivating inclusivity, Global Cleveland's vision resonates with St. Ed's IB Diploma Program in looking to promote globalization and active engagement between all cultures.
Joined by his colleague, Administrative Coordinator Elizabeth Cusma, Mr. Cimperman shared a wealth of opportunities for our Diploma Program faculty to amplify our students' international mindedness - a critical component of their IB education. Whether it be through their inaugural Sister Cities Conference, which features educational, interfaith, immigration panels, internationally-tinged athletic tournaments and more for high schoolers hungry for an immersive experience, access to naturalization ceremonies for immigrants who strive to become permanent American citizens, or even participation in 2020 Census efforts, Global Cleveland has extended invitations that promise to bolster our students' extracurriculars, creativity, action and service events and classroom experiences.
"As a language teacher, I always get excited about opportunities for students to see different languages and cultures in authentic contexts outside of the classroom," says Language Acquisition Department Chair Mrs. Lisa Hardin. "Mr. Cimperman mentioned that Cleveland has a sister city in El Salvador, so I'm very interested in exploring the possibility of taking students to visit there the next time we take a student service trip and I hope more students become interested in attending the many local events offered through Global Cleveland."
"All the opportunities Mr. Cimperman presented will educate the mind and the heart together in a beautiful way, giving our students opportunities to expand their perspectives and worldview," says Theology teacher Mr. Owen Williams '13.
"What made me so excited about what Mr. Cimperman talked to us about is that if we start to work with him and his organization, I believe we are really walking the walk of our mission by using our gifts and abilities to help others and authentically living the IB concept of international mindedness," says Dean of Academics Mr. Matt Stepnowsky.
