For young people living in these communities, news of the reemergence of great power competition and the evolving risks to global security and stability resulting from climate change may feel like a world away. But over the course of the next school year, the Peace Teachers Program will provide these six middle and high school teachers with the education, resources and support needed to bring issues of international conflict to life for their students and empower them to see peace as something practical and possible.

“We are delighted to announce our six 2021 Peace Teachers. As experienced teachers of social studies, English and language arts, and other humanities, they are dedicated to helping their students become more informed and engaged citizens who value the U.S. commitment to promoting international peace,” said Megan Chabalowski, who manages the program for USIP’s public education department. “We know from working with previous groups of Peace Teachers that this program will help them achieve that goal. It will help give the educators and their students the knowledge, skills and perspectives they need to envision a more peaceful world and their part in creating it.”

Over the past six years, the Peace Teachers Program has worked with educators and their students across 20 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. The program is rooted in the conviction that educators can be pivotal in bringing issues of international conflict and practical peacebuilding skills into their classrooms, schools and communities. It is part of USIP’s public education work, which is grounded in the Institute’s mandate from Congress and serves schools, universities and organizations around the country. As participants in this program, the 2021-2022 cohort will discover ways to advance their students’ understanding of global conflict and the possibilities of peace in ways that align with their own curriculum. The teachers will take part in online coursework, develop and implement individualized action plans, share their strategies and experiences, and serve as models and ambassadors for teaching about international conflict management and peacebuilding. Staff from USIP will travel to each school over the course of the year to support the Peace Teachers and generate additional outreach opportunities in their communities.

For more information on the Peace Teachers Program or its 2021-2022 cohort, contact Megan Chabalowski at mchabalowski@usip.org.