Galion, OH —Galion City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Jeff Hartmann, was recently selected to participate in the prestigious Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program. This program is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and aims to enhance global competence in schools and districts across the nation.
Only 40 education leaders were selected for the 2024 program. Dr. Hartmann was chosen from 157 applicants nationwide. The 40 program participants were divided into three cohorts with each cohort visiting different locations: the United Kingdom in November, another will travel to Finland in the spring, and a third will explore Singapore in the summer.
This program which fosters international collaboration and the exchange of best practices in education is funded by the State Department, with no local funds used to support participation.
Dr. Hartmann was selected for the cohort that traveled to the United Kingdom. During the visit, he was able to collaborate with education leaders, tour schools in London and Belfast, and explore innovative practices to bring back to the Galion City School District. Additionally, Dr. Hartmann shared insights about Galion’s exemplary practices with his cohort colleagues to gain mutual learning and make global connections.
"This was an incredible opportunity to engage with educators worldwide and learn strategies that could enhance our work here at home," said Dr. Hartmann. "At the same time, I was excited to showcase some of the many amazing things happening here in Galion.”
According to Dr. Hartmann, the most profound part of the trip was the UK's focus on the whole child. Dr. Hartmann looks forward to strengthening relationships with this cohort and UK colleagues as they continue to discuss ways to implement some of their practices here in the States.
For more information about the Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program, visit https://www.fulbrightteacherexchanges.org