Plainfield East Teacher Chosen For Global Education Program

PLAINFIELD, IL — A Plainfield East High School humanities division social studies teacher was selected to participate in the prestigious Transatlantic Educators Dialogue Program at the University of Illinois, district officials said.

Kady Fairfield Meneses is one of 41 educators from 19 states and 16 European countries participating in the program, which brings together teachers from the United States and Europe for "shared exploration and examination of various educational topics."

The program, held online, kicked off on Jan. 12 and runs for 10 weeks, until March 16. Discussions will range from global collaboration, supporting diverse learning needs, parental involvement and technology in the classroom.

"I love learning through conversation and the TED program is the perfect platform to build community with other educators," Fairfield Meneses said, per a news release from Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202.

Fairfield Meneses has worked in District 202 for 11 years and has been teaching for 16 years. District officials said she hopes her students "connect with humanity in the spirit of curiosity and not judgment."

"Throughout my career, I've reflected on how I can improve the delivery of my content to meet the changing needs of my students," Fairfield Meneses said. "By networking with a global community of educators, I hope to gain even more inspiration to try new ways of making my content relatable and accessible to all my students."

Once she completes the program, Fairfield Meneses will be able to collaborate with international colleagues in extension projects through the TED Fellows program.

"We are excited and very proud that Kady has been given this outstanding opportunity," Plainfield East High School Assistant Principal of Student Services Heather Boswell said in a statement.