by Michael Moran

Created on: November 13, 2009

Education is a fundamental civil right. Unfortunately, in many places of the world, it isn't necessarily considered one. At over 59 million, teachers are the largest group of trained professionals in the world. They know who is sick, who is missing, who is orphaned by AIDS. Yet the quality of professional development for teachers around the world is not where it needs to be.

Teachers Without Borders works to connect teachers to information and each other, through an online network and through on-the-ground programs, in order to ensure that teachers across the globe have readily accessible professional growth opportunities. Better professional development breeds better teaching. Better teaching breeds smarter and more equipped students. Smarter and more equipped students create a more informed society. And a more informed society has the potential to truly change how a country thinks, operates and determines its national priorities. The key to peace does not lie in war; it is quite clearly waiting to be grasped through education.

Teachers Without Borders was founded in 2000 by Dr. Fred Mednick, to advance the principle that teachers are the key to change. From there, the organization has rapidly evolved, expanded and succeeded. With programs around the world, Teachers Without Borders has had an incredible impact on the quality and availability of teacher professional development - thanks to the local leaders in countries around the world who create, lead and organize courses, workshops and events focused on empowering teachers.

Teachers Without Borders currently has a membership base of close to 8,000, combining online members (who benefit from the tools and resources on our website) and offline members (who benefit from workshops and courses created and led at the local level). Through online social network for teachers, members benefit by participating in the online Certificate of Teaching Mastery program. In this program they share and use curricula created by members. They also network with each other through groups as a launching point for organizing local or national change. Teachers lead innovative programs which affect changes and improvements in educational systems the world over. The Teachers Without Borders website provides teachers a place where they can learn from each other and build on shared wisdom, rather than struggle in isolation.

Offline and on the ground, Teachers Without Borders members participate in national conferences and professional development workshops and courses. Through Emergency Education programs, Teachers Without Borders develops strategy, tools and resources for local teachers to strengthen their communities in times of national crisis. The Certificate of Teaching Mastery has been implemented as a course in several African countries, and the program continues to grow. Country Coordinators on the ground in Africa and Asia are leading the change that will transform how teachers learn and grow. The net effect is a revolution in how students learn, even in crisis situations around the world.

Teachers Without Borders members span the globe - from the US to Nigeria, from China to Peru. And Teachers Without Borders' efforts complement its members' efforts. Members are the driving force behind the success and evolution of Teachers Without Borders. Membership is collaborative and empowering.

If you are passionate about education, and want to participate in some of the work of Teachers Without Borders, there are many ways you can help. The best way to start is by joining. Every teacher has something unique to offer that has the potential to help other teachers around the world. Expand your impact and change the world today.

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