Lindsey Smaka, OLPD PhD student (Comparative and International Development Education) and a science teacher at Edina High School, has been named the 2023 AFS-USA Global Educator of the Year. AFS-USA is the largest partner in a worldwide network of non-profit, volunteer-based international education organizations.
According to Tara Hofmann, President and CEO for AFS-USA, “We are so proud to bestow this award on Ms. Smaka who inspires her students, school, and community through globalized content in instruction, intercultural learning, and international opportunities for students. She is modeling what AFS-USA strives for in working together to create, inspire, and empower active global citizens.” The AFS-USA Global Educator Award recognizes educators throughout the country who have demonstrated excellence integrating cultural diversity, global competence, and internationalized concepts into their instruction with the aim of cultivating active global citizens.
Ms. Smaka was acknowledged by the Edina Public Schools Superintendent, Stacie Stanley, for her commitment toward ensuring that Edina students have relevant and meaningful cross-cultural interactions and develop a global mindset. With Lindsey’s leadership, a Global Scholars program was created at Edina High School and students are able to engage in a variety of intercultural learning experiences within the local community.
In the letter of support submitted as part of the application process, Ginnie Read, parent of an Edina High School student, stated that “Lindsey has been incredibly influential in helping our daughter develop an ever-expanding world view, but also inspiring her to leave her comfort zone to contribute to global change.” Ginnie also stated that “Teachers like Lindsey are helping this generation to discover and act on their beliefs, becoming a beacon of hope for our future.”
As the 2023 AFS-USA Global Educator, Lindsey is invited to attend the annual AFS-USA Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Program Workshop held in Alexandria, Virginia in March to accept her award and to meet and learn from people around the world, as well as engage with AFS-USA volunteers and staff members from throughout the United States, India, Mozambique, and Germany, among others.
For more information on AFS-USA and virtual and physical exchange programs, visit www.afsusa.org and to learn about the AFS Global Educator Award and the nomination process, visit https://www.afsusa.org/educators/global-awards/ or email JWoerner@afsusa.org.
