Missouri State University’s College of Education (COE) will host the grand opening of the Global Education Lab (GEL) Nov. 13.

The GEL is a collaborative place for teaching and learning about the world and its people.

“Students in the COE have long benefitted from their professors’ global engagement,” said Dr. Jennice McCafferty-Wright, assistant professor in the School of Teaching, Learning and Developmental Sciences and dean’s fellow for global education at MSU.

“Now, the Global Education Lab can be a vibrant place for supporting the global engagement of our students.”

Event details

The grand opening begins with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 3 p.m. followed by an open house until 6 p.m. in Hill Hall, Room 449.

The event is free and open to the community. No registration is required.

MSU President Clif Smart will attend the opening, as well as other university leadership and faculty.

About the GEL

With the GEL, the COE aims to support emerging educators in teaching for global understanding and engagement, foster collaborative work and fuel local and international partnerships, while preparing graduates for the world.

“We’re mainstreaming teacher preparation for global understanding and engagement,” McCafferty-Wright said. “For example, in our elementary education program, this year’s graduates have all had experiences working with families who are newcomers in our community and collaborating with peers in Moroccan teacher training programs.”

The GEL houses several grant-funded projects, including Global Teacher Education Exchange, Removing Barriers, Global Teacher Talks and World Teacher Makerspace.

When the lab opens, it will host events, such as workshops, meetings and student events. It also has a broadcasting corner to host virtual exchanges.

Additionally, the GEL offers materials for future educators and people who work with families and children to use in practicums, including books, globes and maps, games, cultural artifacts and more.

“We’re producing teachers who have experience engaging with complex problems and possibilities that are driving the future of education and our world,” McCafferty-Wright said.

Attend the grand opening