Kathryn Peacock, an eighth-grade science teacher at Brooks Middle School, has been selected as a fellow for the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program (Fulbright TGC). Peacock is one of 81 educators from 33 states awarded during the 2024-25 school year.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the International Research & Exchanges Board, the Fulbright TGC program provides U.S. teachers with the skills and resources to incorporate global learning into their classrooms.
Peacock was inspired to apply after hearing about a former colleague’s experience in the program. The Global Classrooms Program includes a 10-week course, a symposium in Washington, D.C., and a two- to three-week field experience abroad.
She plans to incorporate the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into her curriculum, specifically Clean Water and Sanitation, Affordable and Clean Energy, Climate Action, Life Below Water, and Life on Land.
"Kathryn’s dedication to sustainability and student advocacy truly reflects the core values of our district," said District 97 Superintendent Ushma Shah. "We are proud to have educators like her who are committed to empowering our students to become informed citizens and active change agents in their community."
Peacock said she is excited to expand her professional lens, and to bring what she learns back to her classroom.
“I’m most looking forward to the international field experience, during which I will be going to another country to visit and observe different schools, learn about the culture, and see how STEM and sustainability are taught,” Peacock said.
To further understand global perspectives, she plans to partner with classrooms from other countries or states, allowing students to collaborate, exchange ideas and learn from international students serving as topic experts.
While her field experience placement will be announced later this year, she hopes the experience will help her build lasting connections. “I want to see and learn about how science and STEM is taught in other countries and how they involve their local communities, as well as how they are teaching about sustainability and climate action,” she said.
“I also hope to gain a partnership with my partner teachers both in the U.S. and our host country that can enrich the learning of eighth-grade students so that we can prepare them to be global citizens and change makers.”
Brooks Principal April Capuder said that Peacock's Fulbright award is a powerful recognition of her "creativity, dedication and passion as a teacher."
“Her experience abroad will not only make an impact in her classroom, but she will bring back ideas and perspectives that will benefit our entire school community.”