Description

In this conversation, Kevin Fullbrook speaks with Aaron Moniz, co-founder of Inspire Citizens, about the importance of global citizenship education and service learning in schools. Aaron shares his journey from being a punk drummer to an advocate for education reform, emphasizing the need for schools to integrate global competencies into their culture. They discuss the challenges and successes of implementing these programs, the role of school leaders, and the inspiring initiatives led by students. The conversation also touches on common mistakes schools make and the lessons learned from leadership experiences.

Guest

Aaron Moniz is the Co-Founder and Director of Inspire Citizens.  Aaron helps schools around the world to develop whole school implementation programs for service learning and education for sustainable development as a means of developing global citizens.  Aaron uses the Inspire Citizens’ Global Impact Schools Self Discovery Tool and Whole School Global Citizenship Roadmap to conduct strategic visioning and goal setting to articulate best practice professional learning approaches and personalize them to the unique context of each school.  Aaron also uses the Inspire Citizens Empathy to Impact Approach to enhance curriculum at any grade level or subject area, and he helps schools to design K-12 scope and sequences, scaffolding the development of service learning and active global citizenship. Alongside the Inspire Citizens team members, Aaron also helps to develop student leadership programs, and supports the Inspire Citizens Global Citizenship Certificate; an online professional development program for global educators. Aaron is also the Director of the Inspire Citizens Foundation.  Aaron believes that schools can become centers for community impact and strives to help schools see the large-scale impact that they can have by slightly optimizing their existing systems and centering on global citizenship education.

Takeaways

• Aaron Moniz co-founded Inspire Citizens to advocate for global citizenship education.
• Experiential learning can significantly impact students and communities.
• Schools should integrate global competencies into their culture for meaningful education.
• Defining global citizenship is crucial for effective implementation in schools.
• Student-led initiatives can drive change and inspire others.
• Common mistakes include treating global citizenship as an afterthought.
• Leadership requires meeting people where they are in their understanding.
• Delegation and allowing freedom in leadership can lead to better outcomes.
• Learning from mistakes is essential for personal and professional growth.
• Quickfire questions reveal personal insights and leadership philosophies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Global Citizenship Education

03:40 The Journey to Co-Founding Inspire Citizens

06:58 Integrating Global Competencies in Schools

09:21 Working with School Leaders for Change

11:10 Inspiring Student-Led Initiatives

12:05 Common Mistakes in Service Learning

12:21 Navigating Leadership Challenges

13:23 Learning from Mistakes in Leadership

15:20 Quickfire Questions and Wrap-Up

Host

Kevin Fullbrook is an international school leader with 25+ years of global education experience across Australia, China, and the Middle East. As host of The Leadership Passport Podcast, Kevin dives into the stories, strategies, and insights of education leaders from around the world. With a passion for inclusive leadership, student agency, and sustainable school cultures, he brings thoughtful conversations and practical takeaways for educators, aspiring leaders, and anyone interested in the future of learning.

Connect with him on Instagram (@kevin.fullbrook) and LinkedIn (Kevin Fullbrook)

Keywords

global citizenship, education, service learning, Inspire Citizens, student leadership, community impact, experiential learning, school transformation, leadership challenges, advocacy