President Jimmy Carter congratulated Kent-Meridian High School teacher Lisa Clarke during a school assembly Jan. 31.
Clarke received the 2011 World Affairs Council’s World Educator Award for her significant contributions to promoting international understanding in the classroom, her commitment to connecting students to global service learning opportunities outside of the classroom. Clarke also was given credit for advancing international social studies learning through the development of new resources, curriculum and administrative structures for the benefit of other educators.
As the World Affairs Council’s World Educator,Clarke will have opportunities to meet with current and future business leaders and bring those experiences back to Kent-Meridian and Kent School District. She will also influence students worldwide as she helps other educators develop social studies resources and curriculum.
“I would like to thank the World Affairs Council for all they do to support and inspire teachers,” Clarke said during her speech. “The Global Classroom program is a professional beacon for educators because of the resources it provides. Teachers are able to gain a deeper, more nuanced understanding of world affairs.”
President Carter spoke to the audience as part of the World Affairs Council’s 60th anniversary and the importance of peace and the United States being a champion of peace efforts and working with other nations and their peoples. He called on young people to re-establish policies based on mutual respect, human rights and morality.
“I teach at a school where students speak 67 languages and come from 100 countries, so students at Kent-Meridian High School bring the world to me,” Clarke said. “The World Affairs Council helps me learn more about where my students come from so I can empower them to teach us about world affairs.”
Clarke’s students and coworkers expressed pride in her efforts.
“On behalf of the Kent School District Board of Directors, I am very proud of Ms. Clarke’s accomplishment in receiving this award from the World Affairs Council,” said Lee Vargas, superintendent. “Lisa is an ambassador for this school district to the rest of the world. What she gains from this experience will help prepare our students become future leaders. That is a great responsibility for Ms. Clarke and all educators.”
The World Affairs Council links greater Seattle to the world. World Affairs Council programs provide opportunities for Washington residents to be global citizens by advancing a deep understanding of international events and culture.
As a hub for all things international, the World Affairs Council creates programs and opportunities for local people to interact directly with leaders, educators, and professionals from around the world.
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