Every Journey Begins With a Step

Pundits have interpreted last June's Brexit vote, in which Britons voted to leave the European Union, as a referendum against globalization. Although the vote was no landslide, it reflected the insecurities of particular groups in the face of shifting social and economic prospects. Those voting to leave might have been chiding global elites for enjoying advantages gained by opening up trade, communications, immigration, and finance across borders, while seeing themselves as casualties of globalization.

The impact of Brexit—together with other headline stories, from Zika to the refugee crisis—offers a vital reality check for educators: How relevant and responsive is your teaching to the challenges and opportunities that result from our profoundly connected world? How can schools create opportunities for all students to find their sphere of influence—and meaningful work—in a big, messy, integrated, global system?

A Global Experience for All Students