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Professor James Slotta of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education has received a Connaught Global Challenge Award for his project, International Partnerships in Education: Supporting 21st Century Competencies and Student Empowerment.

“All regions of the world are confronting dramatic changes in lifestyle and the nature of work as a result of globalization and the information economy, and studies everywhere are in need of 21st century competencies,” Slotta wrote in his description of the project. “But teachers in some regions are under-supported.”

Slotta is one of five researchers receiving the award for collaborations involving leading U of T researchers and students from multiple disciplines, along with innovators and thought leaders from other sectors. He leads a research program to support Ontario teachers responding to the need for global competencies in the K-12 curriculum – and says the award will allow him to extend his efforts to partners in Brazil, China, India and Tanzania.

Working with a local coordinator, he will set up a cohort of teachers who will meet in person and online, receive customized online supports and connect with peers in the community.

“This approach will offer a source of contextually relevant support, closely coordinated with local partners in those settings,” Slotta said. “Each global partner will maintain distinct and customized control over its local meetings, teacher planning and school enactment activities.”