The California Global Education Project, formerly the California International Studies Project (1985-2018), is one of nine professional learning networks that comprise the California Subject Matter Project administered by the University of California Office of the President. CGEP provides ongoing quality professional learning designed by university faculty, teacher leaders, community partners, and education leaders to improve instructional practices and support achievement for all students. CGEP's statewide office is located at the Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education in the School of Leadership and Education Sciences at the University of San Diego.
Executive Director Dr. Emily M. Schell leads CGEP in collaboration with a Leadership Team, Advisory Board, and Host Site leaders.
Our Mission
California Global Education Project designs and leads quality professional learning that inspires and supports PK-12 educators from across the disciplines to prepare all youth to be globally competent, engaged members of our interconnected and changing world.
Our Guiding Principles
We believe in the power of education and educators to engage and support all students in creating and maintaining learning communities characterized by curiosity, compassion, creativity, trust, and a sense of belonging in an interconnected world. We value and respect each student’s
identity, cultural wealth, and lived experiences.
expertise to address local and global issues in order to contribute to a better world.
right to thrive in safe and brave spaces.
abilities to promote equity, peace, and social justice for all.
Our Vision for Global Education in California
In every school in California, educators, students, and community members work together to identify, investigate, and address issues of local importance and global significance so that learning reinforces engaged citizenship and contributions to a better world.
Our Funding
The California Subject Matter Project was launched as a network of nine projects authorized by California statute in 1988. It was reauthorized in 2011 by Senate Bill 612, demonstrating legislative investment in enhancing teachers’ content knowledge and instructional strategies, and providing them opportunities for subject-specific collaboration, learning, and research.
CSMP is administered by the University of California, Office of the President in concurrence with the California Department of Education, State Board of Education, California State University, California Community Colleges, Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, Governor’s Office, Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and the Instructional Quality Commission. Each project has a statewide office, regional sites, and an advisory board comprised of representatives from these organizations.
CSMP receives financial support from state and federal funds to help the state meet teacher quality goals and assist its PK-12 partners with whole-school change efforts in low-performing schools. For further support, projects and sites apply for and receive grants from foundations, private industry, and other state and federal sources.
For more information, see our Strategic Plan (2022-2024)
For background information, see our Strategic Plan (2016-2021)
Our Partners
CGEP is proud to partner with colleges and universities that host project sites and collaborate on building academic programs and resources for PK-12 educators; non-profit organizations that promote global education and support educators; professional organizations that share our goals to provide high quality and standards-based professional learning; schools, districts, and county offices of education that share our vision for equity and rigor in a well-rounded comprehensive education community organizations and businesses invested in preparing all students for success in today's local and global society.
“The lingering effects of a global pandemic combined with ongoing incidents of violence and injustice inflicted by people and institutions continue to weigh heavily on all of us. Our hope remains that each global citizen finds the necessary strength, optimism, safety, good health, justice, and community support to live in peace and prosperity.
While restructuring to better serve the needs of California teachers, schools, and communities, CGEP remains committed to supporting California educators as they manage learning challenges, care for their students, and maintain balance in their own lives with attention to mental health and well-being. We will continue to develop professional learning programs and resources that promote global education and interdisciplinary studies, and promise to respond to your requests for help through coaching, instructional planning, and available resources. Working together, we will grow healthy, compassionate, and caring communities throughout our state with schools serving as the beating heart of those communities.”
