Samantha McMillan

"RYW curriculum is easy to integrate into interdisciplinary areas and provides a structure to teach youth activism. I use RYW with other frameworks such as global competencies and social justice standards to enhance project-based learning. I incorporate RYW concepts and resources into projects throughout the year. Some ideas that I have used include, hosting a Charity Fair to raise money for organizations and research the differences between charity and justice, a Global Goals project that asks students to problem-solve solutions to global issues and take action, and a investigation on Fair Trade to determine whether fair trade practices help or hurt farmers."

Originally from Illinois, Samantha moved to California in 2009 and shortly after earned a teaching credential from San Jose State University. She recently finished her MA in Educational Technology from Concordia University at Irvine. At work, she is known for integrating technology and developing social studies curriculum that emphasizes design thinking and global education. She is proud of her 2016 Texas Instruments STEM Teacher of the Year award, all the stamps in her passport, and that she has raised over $5,000 in grant money for her classroom and continuing professional development.