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Plainfield East High School's social studies teacher, Kady Fairfield Meneses, has been selected to participate in the Transatlantic Educators Dialogue (TED) Program at the University of Illinois. This program brings together educators from the United States and Europe for a 10-week online collaboration focusing on educational topics such as global collaboration, diverse learning needs, parental involvement, and technology in classrooms.
Fairfield Meneses expressed enthusiasm about this opportunity, stating it aligns with her passion for lifelong learning. “I love learning through conversation and the TED program is the perfect platform to build community with other educators,” she said.
She was chosen as one of 41 educators representing 19 states and 16 European countries. “Throughout my career, I’ve reflected on how I can improve the delivery of my content to meet the changing needs of my students,” Fairfield Meneses explained. She hopes that networking with a global community will inspire new ways to make her teaching more relatable and accessible.
The program involves online coursework, group discussions, and reflection. Fairfield Meneses aims to create classroom exchanges that promote global citizenship among her students. “My goal is to create online classroom exchanges that allow my students to engage in global citizenship,” she stated.
Upon completing the program, participants like Fairfield Meneses have opportunities for further collaboration through extension projects with international colleagues via the TED Fellows program.
Heather Boswell, Assistant Principal of Student Services at Plainfield East High School, expressed pride in Fairfield Meneses' selection: “We are excited and very proud that Kady has been given this outstanding opportunity.”
Fairfield Meneses has been part of District 202 for 11 years and has a total teaching experience spanning 16 years.
