These two programs [YES and iEARN] have given me the tools, experience, and friends I needed to help not just the people in my country but also the people from different countries. They have shown me that anything is possible, all I have to do is not give up.

This kind of diversity is rare in the area that I teach. To be able to communicate with students in Pakistan, Russia, Oman, Taiwan, etc is phenomenal. 

This is my 4th project that I have participated in iEARN and I plan to approach our administration to see if I can do a Professional Development over the summer so that other teachers within my school may enjoy this fantastic learning tool.

"I cannot imagine another organization in which global, student-centered, professional and compassionate teachers work so closely in so many areas of our shared world on behalf of their students. This is iEARN."

It broadens the perspective of whatever you are doing. It is a family that is trying to pull us together from all the different parts of the world. That is what iEARN is for me. 

A highlight of participating in iEARN projects has been establishing close friendships in different parts of the world. Teaching my students that people all over the world share many similarities with them, but also have many differences, and learning about them, is very enriching. These learning opportunities foster their development as tolerant and accepting global citizens.

When I compare the groups of students that I’ve chosen to participate in an iEARN project online to those students who aren’t participating, their engagement with the curriculum increases, their knowledge base increases, the vocabulary increases, writing becomes much more descriptive, and they seem to have a better appreciation for what's going on in the world around them.