« Our Commitment to Education »
One of the most important components of the mission of the World Affairs Council of Montana is education, particularly at the secondary level. Many factors hinder our schools’ ability to emphasize international issues, such as a lack of access to updated material, the demand on teachers’ time, budget constraints, and the difficulties teachers face in the pursuit of professional development opportunities that focus on world affairs.
The Council is committed to help offset these hindrances by offering the following services: Providing free membership to K-12 students and discounted rates to educators, bringing distinguished speakers directly to the classroom, aiding in the creation of international exchanges between teachers and students, finding professional development opportunities for teachers, and implementing video conference technologies to put students directly in touch with key policymakers.
Academic World Quest »
Academic WorldQuest is a Flagship program of the World Affairs Councils of America. Beginning in 2005 with three teams, the Council’s largest education initiative has grown to include more than 40 teams from around the state. This exciting international trivia team challenge engages students in global affairs as they compete for the opportunity to represent Montana in Washington D.C.. Montana teams have consistently placed in the top 10 at the national competition including Hellgate High School placing 2nd in 2007 and Billings Skyview, an impressive 4th place nationally in 2009!
Teacher Workshops »
“Discover Turkey”
In efforts to provide Montana teachers with critical multicultural resources to enhance global understanding, the council organizes workshops and study-tours for K-12 educators. More than 15 teachers have traveled to Turkey as a result of global education efforts.
Please visit our Teacher Workshops page for more details on these incredible trips and other workshop opportunities!
World In Transition »
The Council recently introduced into local high schools the award winning “World In Transition” series of supplemental teaching materials, developed by the Southern Center for International Studies (SCIS) in Atlanta, Georgia. This series of resources includes lesson plans, videos, background essays and teaching aides focusing on different regions around the world. The Council also sponsored the visit of several Montana teachers to a workshop held in Georgia.
High School Visits »
The World Affairs Council of Montana brings distinguished speakers to the classroom and other high school settings to give our students incredible experiences. Speakers often have demanding schedules, but those who have spoken directly to a high school audience find the experience greatly rewarding.
In the past, the Council has brought Turkish Consul General Hakan Tekin to Hellgate High School to discuss Turkey’s strategic role, both geographically and politically in the region and around the world.
“We have been re-establishing relationships in our own region that we had neglected. There is a change in the dynamic from the Cold War years. We are trying to build up trust and cooperation in our own neighborhood.” - Hakan Tekin
Likewise, Ms. Mogahed presented results of Gallup polls on Muslims throughout the world and their perception of the West and the United States.
The Council has also created a partnership with the Montana Model United Nations conference (MMUN) that brings nearly 500 Montana high school students to Missoula each November.
Overseas Visits »
In the Fall of 2003, the Council helped sponsor a grant with the US State Department for Hellgate High School for an exchange program in China. Two teachers and ten students visited China that same Fall, and Chinese students and teachers were hosted here in Missoula.
We will continue to keep our members informed on developments with these initiatives and we appreciate your continued support for our educational programs. For further information, please contact Aubrie Lyons at (406) 728-3328, or email: wacworldquest@gmail.com.
