Braille - A Vision of Hope | Transform.Ed Briefing #103
Inside the Briefing: From understanding why Braille still matters to exploring the world that eyes can not see - a vision of hope weaving miracles into reality
Quick Updates 🔔
🌍✨ LEADERS IN EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT
We are thrilled to announce a new initiative starting in March 2025! Keep an eye out for our exclusive Leaders in Education Spotlight, where we celebrate the remarkable impact of educators, education leaders, and thought leaders driving transformation in education. Do you have an inspiring story to share or know someone who deserves to be recognized? Nominate yourself or your inspiring colleague here.
🌍✨ GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP SCHOOLS COHORT 9: Applications Open Now!
In less than a month (Feb 01), a new cohort will begin its journey to shape future global citizens. Don’t miss this opportunity to introduce an enriching learning experience, designed by UNESCO MGIEP, to your school or network. Recommend your school or any others in your network today!
Big Ideas 💡
Social-Emotional Learning — An Essential Vehicle to Promote Inclusive Education
By Sacha Cartagena | .ed Magazine
Why Braille Matters Today: Communication, Education, and Technology
By Prem Sylvester | Thinker Bell Labs
Poll of the Week 📊
Poll Results from Last Week
In response to the question “What do you believe is the primary reason for low Braille literacy rates in public schools?”, the breakdown of results are as follows:
One-half of the participants opted for ‘Lack of resources & funding’ while the other half voted for ‘Perception of Braille as outdated’.
Braille in the age of audiobooks and screen-reeding software may appear obsoleet to many but its relevance remains undeniable. For instance, those reading the last sentence in braille or print would spot the spelling errors while those using the reading software might miss them.
As is clearly visible, braille is critical for the literacy and independence of the blind and visually impaired, ultimately paving the way for their meaningful integration into society. To grasp this better, here is a first-hand account of Jamie Principato Crane, a blind parent learning Braille to enable her blind daughter to be a true leader.
Would you like to discuss these results or share your thoughts in the community?
Policy Pulse 🏛
Policy Brief >> Special Needs Education Policy and Strategy
By St. Lucia’s Department of Education
This policy brief emphasizes improving special needs education through an inclusive, rights-based approach. It underscores the importance of overcoming challenges such as resource limitations, differing views on inclusive education, and limited stakeholder engagement. The brief advocates for promoting equal opportunities and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration to ensure all students with special needs receive high-quality education.
Global Events for Your Calendar 🗓
Jan 08 | FREE ENTRY >> The IEP in a Nutshell
This is an Online Event hosted by the IEP Coach LLC.
Jan 09 | PAID ENTRY >> ILA 2025 AI & Leadership Virtual Summit
This is an Online Event hosted by the International Leadership Association.
Jan 22 | FREE ENTRY >> Think Critically, Write Clearly: Tools for Deepening Student Thought
This is an Online Event hosted by the edWeb.
Jan 30 | FREE ENTRY >> Smartphones and Social Media: Building Policies for Safe Technology Use in Schools
This is an Online Event hosted by the EdWeek.
Lights, Camera, Education 🎬
Film >> The Miracle Worker
This movie is about Helen, a deaf-blind young girl, and Anne who decides to teach Helen how to communicate despite serious challenges.
Documentary » A Vision of Hope: NAB India Centre for Blind Women and Disability Studies
This documentary showcases how the National Association of the Blind (NAB) India Centre for Blind Women and Disability Studies is making a difference in the lives of disadvantaged and differently-abled women, helping them lead more independent and fulfilling lives.
Courses and Learning 🧑💻
Self-Paced Course » Providing Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Special Education Services in School
By University of Colorado (via Coursera)
Books 📚
The World Beyond the Eyes » The Black Book of Colors
By Menena Cottin, Rosana Faría (Illustrator), Elisa Amado (Translator)
Community Connect 💭
How can you challenge your assumptions and biases to truly create an accessible learning environment that enables visually impaired learners to thrive, both academically and personally?
Share your ideas on our community post.
New to the community? Join the Global Education Union by the Global Citizenship Foundation! Get exclusive access to the latest updates, resources, and collaboration opportunities. Stay informed, connected, and equipped to shape the many futures of education.
Job Opportunities 📥
🇬🇧 Primary Special Education Needs (SEN) Teacher, West Hill School, Surrey (Deadline: 06 Jan 2025)
🇺🇸 Assistant Headteacher, Benton House School, Benton (Deadline: 11 Jan 2025)
🇹🇭 Music Teacher, Garden International School, Rayong (Deadline: 12 Jan 2025)
🇯🇵 Secondary School Teacher (IGCSE/LSP G6-G8 Mathematics), K. International School Tokyo (KIST),Tokyo (Deadline: 15 Jan 2025)
🇨🇳 Upper School Teacher (Mathematics), Harrow International School, Shanghai (Deadline: 16 Jan 2025)
🇮🇹 Teacher (A-Level Sociology), St George's British International School, Rome (Deadline: 20 Jan 2025)
🇹🇼 Head of Visual Arts, Taipei European School, Taiwan (Deadline: 19 Jan 2025)
🇪🇬 Teacher (Design & Technology-Resistant Materials), Uppingham Cairo School, Cairo (Deadline: 21 Jan 2025)
🇶🇦 Secondary Teacher (Computer Science), Doha British School, Doha (Deadline: 23 Jan 2025)
🇪🇸 Secondary Teacher (IB-Spanish), Richmond Park School, Madrid (Deadline: 01 Feb 2025)
🇲🇽 Middle School Teacher (Mathematics), Humanitree School, Mexico City (Deadline: 18 Feb 2025)
🇨🇭 Primary & Secondary Teacher (German), International School, Zurich North (Deadline: 01 Mar 2025)
🇩🇪 Primary Teacher, Kammer International Bilingual School, Hanover (Deadline: 01 Mar 2025)
Disclaimer: The Global Citizenship Foundation does not endorse or assume responsibility for the content, products, services, policies, or practices of external links, providers, or any third-party materials referenced in this newsletter. Please use your discretion when accessing external links or resources.
The Global Citizenship Foundation is a leading specialist international organization based in South Asia (NCR Delhi, India) and the European Union (Tallinn, Estonia). Its principal mandate is to realize the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 4 and Target 4.7 (Education for Global Citizenship and Sustainable Development). Since 2016, the GCF has impacted education in 70+ countries, striving to transform education for human and planetary flourishing.
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