Globalization, Global Mindsets and Teacher Education

Globalization is undoubtedly affecting every aspect of our lives. The reach and the reality of globalization means that what happens “there” to “them” now affects what happens “here” to “us.” The destinies of billions of people around the planet have become inextricably tied, connected by multiple networks, whether virtual, commercial, political, trans-familial, socio-cultural, or educational. This is the globalized space in which today’s teachers operate, it is the space they must navigate, they have no choice to do otherwise than to look, know, think, understand and teach beyond the boundaries of the(ir) local. But what exactly does that mean in practice? In response, I begin first with a brief discussion about globalization—what it means, and how it is—or perhaps not—affecting teaching and teacher education. I then discuss the mindsets teachers (and therefore teacher education/educators) need to cultivate along four dimensions in the context of globalization: the curricular, professional, moral, and personal. I then close with two immediate actions we should take as/to be a global teacher education community.