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AESA Takes Its First Step Toward International Relations in Portugal
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AESA’s journey toward international expansion began with a landmark visit to Portugal, marking the first step in its global outreach. This trip laid the foundation for partnerships with key Portuguese educational institutions, showcasing AESA’s commitment to fostering global educational collaborations.
The visit commenced with meetings throughout the week at national, regional, and local levels with AESA representatives Joan Wade, John Bass, Sheila King, and lead by ACES International Director, Jason Hiruo. Conversations promoted international collaboration in education, focused on critical issues of student mobility, digital citizenship, media literacy, professional exchange, teacher training, and aligned AESA’s mission to promote collaboration facing national and global educational challenges.
Highlights of a local visit were the team’s engagement with Marquês de Pombal Secondary School and United Lisbon International School. The schools, known for their innovative approaches and diverse communities, opened discussions for future exchange programs, positioning them as partners to foster cross-border educational opportunities.
Collaborations in Media Literacy and Digital Citizenship
The team’s visit to the National Training Center for Journalists (CENJOR) highlighted a shared commitment to media literacy. Director Dr. Miguel Crespo hosted AESA for discussions on enhancing digital media education in both countries. The dialogue emphasized the potential for joint initiatives that equip both students and professionals with essential digital skills for an interconnected world.
Exploring Higher Education Partnerships
AESA’s internationalization extended into higher education, with the delegation exploring collaborative opportunities with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities (CRUP) and the Portuguese Polytechnics Coordinating Council (CCISP). Meetings with Professor Sandra Soares (CRUP) focused on teacher training, student exchange programs and joint research projects. Both organizations expressed strong interest in partnering with AESA to create new academic opportunities.
At the campuses of Autónoma University and ISCTE (University Institute of Lisbon), the AESA team met with international relations officials and faculty members to advance understanding between organizations for institutional collaboration that will start with fundamental training projects and short-term academic stays. These discussions underscored shared enthusiasm for expanding international collaborations, particularly in joint programs.
National Level Advancement
AESA valued its introductions and is continuing conversations with the Council of National Education, Erasmus of the European Council, the Association of Private Universities, and the Association of Private and Cooperative Educational Establishments. AESA was warmly welcomed by the Director-General of Administration in Lisbon that initiated discussion on reciprocal programming between Portugal’s education system and AESA members.
Looking Forward: The AESA Global Advisory Council
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As AESA takes its first steps toward internationalization, the next critical phase is the formation of the AESA Global Advisory Council. This council will bring together members of AESA from across the country to actively engage in work for building partnerships and fostering innovation. It will play a crucial role in shaping AESA’s international advancement.
With the success of the Portugal visit, AESA is now inviting applications for the Global Advisory Council. This initiative will allow candidates to contribute to AESA’s global strategy, promoting collaboration across borders through international education projects and shaping the future of global competencies and international experience.
AESA’s trip to Portugal is just the beginning. The formation of the Global Advisory Council marks the next step in AESA’s international journey, ensuring it remains versatile as a leading force in American education through global educational partnerships. We encourage motivated members to apply and be part of this exciting new chapter.
Contact Joan Wade, 920-420-8822 or jwade@aesa.us if you have questions about the Global Advisory Council. Applications are due November 12, 2024 to Ann Fiene at afiene@aesa.us.
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AESA Job Posting: Meeting and Event Coordinator
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AESA is still accepting applications for the Meeting and Event Coordinator role! This position is ideal for those passionate about event planning and creating impactful experiences. Key responsibilities include venue selection, logistics coordination, budget management, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure successful events.
If you're looking for a dynamic role, we encourage you to apply! Visit our Job Central webpage for this and other opportunities with AESA and member ESAs.
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Dates & Times Set for 2025 Virtual Federal Advocacy Committee Meeting
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Join AESA members on January 22 & 23, 2025 from 1:00-4:00 PM ET for our annual virtual session to update federal legislative priorities. Hear directly from Capitol Hill staff and advocates, as AESA’s liaisons present top issues for the new year.
This event is FREE and exclusive to AESA members! Help shape AESA's advocacy for the coming year—don’t miss out!
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Business Strategy Framework 2.0: Managing Strategic Resources
(Pre-Conference to AESA Annual Conference)
December 2-3, 2024 | Orlando, Florida
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AESA Annual Conference Schedule Now Available – Register and Book Your Stay Today!
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The full schedule for the 2024 AESA Annual Conference is live! This year’s event will feature inspiring keynotes, breakout sessions on emerging trends, and valuable networking—all designed to support educational leaders and agencies.
Reserve Your Spot at the Omni Orlando Resort!
Reservations are filling up quickly at the beautiful Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, just a short 15-minute trip to Disney World! After registering for the conference, attendees will receive a confirmation email with a link to book their room.
Reservation Deadline: THIS FRIDAY, November 1, 2024. Don’t wait—register and secure your place today!
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New Report Details Cost of Conflict for Districts
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The report, The Costs of Conflict: The Fiscal Impact of Culturally Divisive Conflicts on Public Schools in the United States, examines the societal and fiscal cost of culturally divisive conflicts that have wracked schools in recent years, such as those over LGBTQ+ issues, teaching about race and racism, and efforts to ban books. John Rogers, Rachel White, Robert Shand, and Joseph Kahne penned the report.
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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $70 Million in New Awards for School-Based Mental Health Services
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USED announced additional investments to expand student access to school-based mental health services in the form of grants to districts across the nation to help train and hire additional mental health professionals.
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USED Highlights Resources to Support Communities Impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton
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USED released a list of technical assistance offerings for K-12 schools impacted by the recent hurricanes to support their recovery efforts and restore teaching and learning environments.
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Greenlight Grants Initiative Webinar: Getting Ready for Grants – An Overview of Federal and State Grants and What’s Needed to Apply
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This Grants 101 training introduces attendees to key concepts and resources to increase their understanding of, readiness for, and competitiveness for federal and state grant funding. In the training, we will cover in-depth what funding is available for LEAs out of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), general information on how to register and apply for these federal grants, how to identify good fit opportunities, and tips for writing a competitive application. Join GGI Wednesday, October 30 at 2 p.m. ET! Register here and please share with your members.
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Two Districts Overhauled How They Teach English Learners. Here’s How
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EducationWeek highlights two Oregon school districts—including Consortium member Beaverton—that scaled their use of integrated, collaborative teaching models to address the challenges holding back their English learner students. Click here to access an accompanying district guide to implement similar approaches.
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74% of Schools had Trouble Filling Teacher Vacancies this School Year
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K-12 Dive reports that, according to new data from the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly three-quarters of public schools faced difficulties filling vacant teaching positions before the 2024-2025 school year, citing a lack of qualified candidates and too few applicants as the primary challenges.
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Have we missed one of your ESA’s stories? Send submissions to csowder@aesa.us to be included in future editions of Online News.
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Join the Discussion! P2C is Bridging Classroom Learning with Real-World Careers
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Pathway2Career (P2C), an AESA Business Partner, helps students realize what they’re learning in school matters. P2C connects classroom lessons to future jobs, showing how the skills and knowledge students gain today can lead to real-world opportunities. It answers the question, “When will I ever need to know this in the real world?” by helping learners and teachers make daily connections between what they’re doing now in the classroom and what they’ll do later in life.
On Thursday, November 14 at 2:00 pm (ET), AESA will host a live Zoom session with Dr. Joseph Goins, P2C CEO. Dr. Goins will share research on the power of aligning curriculum with real-world careers specific to each region, offering practical insights for educators. A Q&A session will follow, with the opportunity to explore strategies for applying these ideas.
For those unable to attend live, you are encouraged to submit questions in advance to Beth Kabes at bkabes@aesa.us. The session will be recorded and made available for later viewing, ensuring everyone has a chance to benefit from this important discussion.
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