2023 Global Workforce: Strengthening Careers in Indiana

By Linda Mann

Ivy Tech Community College workshop explores internationalized curriculum 

Ivy Tech Community College faculty met last summer at their Indianapolis Campus to discuss international best practices in education, the role of internationalized curriculum in engaging students and opportunities for virtual exchange/COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning). IUB National Resource Centers collaborated with Ivy Tech Community College to facilitate the workshop that was led by Heather Singmaster, (Digital Promise Director of CTE and GCEN, Global Cities Education Network), Emily Watson, (Ivy Tech Global Education Coordinator), Leighann Rechtin (Ivy Tech AVP Talent/Professional Development), Eli Konwest (Director, Center for the Study of Global Change), Teresa Crafton (Program Manager, IUB CIBER),  and Linda Mann, (IU Global Employability Coordinator).

The partnership between Ivy Tech Community College, IUB and IUPUI furthers the commitment of each institution to support faculty with quality global education professional development opportunities that include classroom resources and context for internationalizing curriculum.

 K-12 and Career and Technical Education Teacher Workshops

Indiana teachers from K-12 and Career and Technical Education Program classrooms attended a June 2023 workshop focused on curriculum that includes global awareness.  Teachers were introduced by workshop facilitator, Heather Singmaster (Digital Promise), to a four step process highlighting steps to Explore the World, Recognize Perspectives, Communicate Ideas and Take Action. Using templates and global education resources, teachers shared ideas and designed lesson plans that fit with their coursework. Teachers conversed with workshop colleagues and workshop leaders on uncomplicated approaches for  integrating Indiana Academic and Employability Skills with global competencies. Global career readiness skills within CTE programs were highlighted. Educators earned Professional Growth Points for licensure renewal.

During the workshop, Hoosier Hills Director, Christi McBride, facilitated a panel discussion with five regional employers about workforce issues andy skill priorities for applicants. Indiana ranks 13th in global exports and works to develop a hospitable climate for international business. Other presenters included Eli Konwest, Director of the Indiana University Center for the Study of Global Change and Ryan Craven, Program Manager at Kelly Institute for International Business.

Global Workforce Skills Certificate at Ivy Tech Community College 

This new academic certificate (21 cr.), housed in the Ivy Tech Community College School of Business, was developed through collaboration with IUB faculty and administrators. The Introduction course (Global Indiana 101) has been offered to Ivy Tech students each semester since 2021 Spring semester. Plans are under way to make it an online course and further its statewide availability to Indiana’s community college students. Student feedback has been favorable regarding the course content with modules for Indiana and global economy, global competence skills, decision making in a global environment and intercultural communication.