Developing Cultural & Global Competencies in PS-12 Students

A Symposium in Fulfillment of the Middle States Association Accreditation Process
Co-Sponsored by 
Friends Council on Education

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Moorestown Friends School will welcome educators from Friends schools across the region to explore student programming designed to increase global and cultural competency.  MFS will share findings from its recent work in this area, from a Lower School Spanish program to Middle and Upper School week-long immersive trips. In addition, participants will engage in thematic discussion groups and learn about global education initiatives underway across area schools.  Attendees will bring back to their schools stimulating questions, programmatic ideas, and a strengthened network of colleagues.

Schedule

11:30 a.m.       |  Registration opens

12:00 p.m.       |  Lunch

1:00-1:45 p.m. |  Welcome & Introduction to Global Education from Head of School Julia de la Torre

1:45-2:45 p.m. |  Interactive Student Introduction to Intensive Learning/MS Service
Learning/Global Certificate Program 

2:45-3:15 p.m. |  Meeting for Worship

3:15-3:40 p.m. |  Break & Snack

3:45-4:30 p.m. |  Discussion #1

4:35-5:20 p.m. |  Discussion #2
5:20-7:00 p.m. |  Dinner and closing keynote speaker, Dr. Karina J. Baum, Director of Global Learning, Boston Public Schools 

Thematic Discussion Topics

3:45 pm - 4:30 pm

• Implementing a Lower School Language Program 
• MS/US Affinity Groups 
• MS IL programs/ IL - logistics, program design, etc.
• US IL programs/ IL - logistics, program design, etc.
• Global certificate program 

4:35 pm - 5:30 pm

• Lower School Library Collections Through a Quaker and Global Lens.
• Engaging Parents and Guardians Around Cultural Competency 
• MS Summer Service Travel Programs 
• Global Leadership Summit Participants
• Quaker Model United Nations