2024-2025 AFS Effect+ for the Classroom

This is a program of AFS International and is not administered by AFS-USA. AFS-USA is a separate legal entity from AFS Intercultural Programs/AFS International and is not a legal affiliate thereof.

AFS Effect+ for the Classroom is a global virtual program that aims to equip teachers to introduce students to the UN SDGs and develop lifelong intercultural skills to make progress toward these goals.

The 2024-25 edition of the Effect+ for the Classroom Program includes:

the 6-week Global Up Educator virtual learning certification – verified by Credly digital badges!
access to teaching resources on the UN SDGs and global citizenship education,
connection with other teachers from different parts of the world, and
opportunity to get international recognition for a social impact project on the SDGs developed by students with their teachers’ guidance.

The program is only available via scholarship award. Applications for the 2024-25 AFS Effect+ for the Classroom program are now closed.

The program is available only via scholarship award. Applications for the 2024-25 AFS Effect+ for the Classroom program are now closed.

For more information about the application and selection process please see the FAQ below.

Applicants to the 2024-25 Effect+ for the Classroom Program must meet all of the following criteria:

Serve as a high-school (secondary level) teacher

Selected applicants will be asked to provide proof that they are currently serving as high school (secondary level) teachers for 14-18-year-old students.

Language: English

Interests & Availability

Interest in global citizenship education, education for sustainable development and experiential learning methodologies,
Curiosity and willingness to interact with diverse global peers and explore different cultures and ways of teaching.
Availability to complete the Global Up Educator online learning certification (approximately 2-3 hours per week for 6 weeks) and to use at least one of the activities from the Educator Toolkit with your students (minimum 15-45-minute lesson plan).

Technology

Diversity

What are the dates of the 2024-25 Effect+ for the Classroom program?

Cohort 1:

Applications: 11 September – 13 October 2024
Start date: 26 October 2024
Use at least one of the activities from the Educator Toolkit: from the start date to the end of May 2025

Cohort 2:

Applications: 9 December 2024 – 12 January 2025
Start Date: 1 February 2025
Use at least one of the activities from the Educator Toolkit: from the start date to the end of May 2025

2025 Cyril Taylor Young Leaders Awards competition:

Application: 14 April – 18 May 2025
Virtual award ceremony: 7 June 2025

What will I do in the Effect+ for the Classroom program?

AFS Effect+ for the Classroom is a global virtual exchange and training program that aims to equip teachers to introduce students to the UN SDGs and develop lifelong intercultural skills to make progress toward these goals.

No matter which subject you teach, the AFS Effect+ for the Classroom Program will help you develop cultural self-awareness, empathy for other cultures, and ways to build bridges in multicultural classrooms. You will also learn about key concepts and principles of global citizenship education, and how to foster it with your students.

During this program, teachers will:

Explore different views, cultures and ways of life in a collaborative virtual learning environment
Make local and global connections with other educators interested in Global Citizenship Education
Experience different training and teaching styles
Earn a certificate of completion indicating the number of hours of engagement, types of activities and topics covered
Engage their students in learning about Active Global Citizenship

How do the virtual activities work? What if I miss one of the activities?

The 6-week virtual learning certification will require approximately 2-3 hours of your time to engage in:

synchronous activities: 90 minute live sessions on Zoom with your global peers, led by certified AFS facilitators, and
asynchronous content: access to a learning platform at your own time to complete video modules, discussion forums, case studies and quizzes.

Participation will require approximately 2-3 hours of your time each week during the first 6 weeks of engagement in the program.

The live sessions will be offered at multiple times to accommodate diverse time zones and schedules.

Participants will be able to indicate desired scheduling preferences for the live sessions.

Missing more than one of the required 4 live facilitated dialogue sessions will result in disqualifying a participant from earning the AFS Global Competence Certificate. (Of course, we are flexible with active communication in the event of emergencies).

What are the eligibility requirements?

Applicants must serve as high school (secondary level) teachers for 14-18-year-old students.
Must be able to participate fully in activities (online modules, discussion forums and live dialogue sessions) conducted entirely in English.
Demonstrated interest in global citizenship education, education for sustainable development and interacting with different cultures.
Motivated teachers from all backgrounds who reflect the diversity of populations around the world, particularly underrepresented populations, are strongly encouraged to apply!