Why Global Education is Our Quickest Path to Climate Change: National Geographic Educator Certification & a Switch to a More Global Curriculum

Keen to make the world a brighter, better place through innovative education and curriculum, Bright Light Volunteers Co-Executive Director, Professor Stacie Freeman, adds the title of National Geographic Certified Educator to her always increasing list of achievements.

The National Geographic Educator Certification is a professional development program that recognizes educators committed to inspiring the next generation of explorers, conservationists, and changemakers. These educators are part of a powerful movement to make the world a better place by empowering students to be informed decision-makers equipped to solve meaningful challenges in their communities and beyond.

Recently, Stacie Freeman, a Bethel University Professor and Co-Executive Director at Global Service Learning provider Bright Light Volunteers International, became a National Geographic Certified Educator. She believes the arsenal of knowledge received by participating in the program further enables her to pursue her passion to teach students to make the world a brighter place for all.

Professor Freeman says, “I am honored to be part of this spectacular program and have really benefited from the coursework and professional development. I don’t just want to teach students about the world—I want to teach them how to be effective global citizens and leaders in an increasingly multi-cultural and technologically connected world.”

Underpinning all of National Geographic’s efforts to inspire and teach young people about the world is guided by their specially developed Learning Framework. This framework outlines the attitudes, skills, and knowledge areas that they believe students need to be effective global thinkers and explorers. It is consistent with the latest educational research and standards, and is informed by their own rich history of work with leading scientists and explorers.

In a letter of congratulations sent to Professor Freeman from Kim Hulse, Vice President of Education Programs at the National Geographic Society, Hulse congratulates Freeman on her newly earned certification, “I am excited to work together to prepare students to be stewards of the planet. Let’s change the world together!”

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About Bright Light Volunteers 
Bright Light Volunteers is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization, designed to empower program participants and community partners through education and service. Specifically, our programs adhere to global service-learning best practices, which combine community service with both experiential learning in the field and online coursework through our university partner. Our vision is to make the world a brighter place by creating a more peaceful, just, interconnected world where global challenges and opportunities are met by educated, compassionate, global citizens and leaders.

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About National Geographic Society 
National Geographic, we believe in the power of science, exploration, education, and storytelling to inspire young people to care for our changing world and make it a better place. Our goal is to spark curiosity about the planet and the life it sustains, and bring students, families, and educators together to work out solutions to the problems of today and tomorrow.

Professor Stacie Freeman, a proponent for increasing access to global education, becomes a Certified National Geographic Educator.

Professor Stacie Freeman, a proponent for increasing access to global education, becomes a Certified National Geographic Educator.

I don’t just want to teach students about the world—I want to teach them how to be effective global citizens and leaders in an increasingly multi-cultural and technologically connected world.