5 Ways to Drive Your Global Citizenship Journey: Advice from a Deputy Head of School
SFS former Deputy Head of School Jan-Mark Seewald (left), Hannah Kim (Jan-Mark’s executive assistant) and Inspire Citizens’ co-founder Aaron Moniz (right).
Seoul Foreign School (SFS), under the leadership of Deputy Head of School Jan-Mark Sewald, has embarked on a multi-year transformative journey to integrate global citizenship principles, thanks to a strategic partnership with Inspire Citizens.
A Leap from Leadership to the Classroom and Back
Jan-Mark was a teacher and leader at SFS for 7 years; in June of 2023, he left the school to pursue independent work as an educational consultant and mentor, and this has given him a deeper window for reflection about the experience of building a global citizenship culture at a PreK-12 international school.
Before coming to SFS, Jan-Mark had been an educational leader at other international schools for several years. He wanted to return to the classroom, and during his first two years at SFS (which coincided with the school’s launch of the IB’s Middle Years Programme) he taught middle school science, math, and design. When the Deputy Head of School position came open, many colleagues encouraged Jan-Mark to apply, and his wealth of experience with the International Baccalaureate (IB) programs put him in a prime position to guide the school through the transition of adopting the MYP.
SFS’s collaboration with Inspire Citizens began when Jan-Mark attended a professional development workshop facilitated by Inspire Citizens founders Steve Sostak and Aaron Moniz. The session addressed global citizenship opportunities in SFS's curriculum, a goal highlighted in the school’s accreditation report from the Council of International Schools (CIS) and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Recognizing the need for a comprehensive approach, Jan-Mark initiated a partnership to integrate Inspire Citizens' expertise into the school's fabric.
“I knew the first thing I needed to do in leadership was to get Inspire Citizens into a more long-term partnership with us,” reflects Jan-Mark. “One Saturday we blitzed conversations about the MYP (Middle Years Programme) and global citizenship; when Aaron and I get into a room, sparks fly as we start throwing ideas around. Right after that, I had a conversation with our head of school about contracting Inspire Citizens for a significant number of days over the next three years.”
From Vision to Action: Inspiring Projects and Lasting Impact
The initial plan included 100 days of on-site collaboration with Inspire Citizens each year. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic altered the trajectory, leading to a silver lining. Aaron Moniz, one of the founders, relocated to Seoul, allowing for a more immersive and sustained partnership.
One of the notable outcomes of this collaboration was that SFS hosted the Inspire Citizens’ Global Youth Media conference, where SFS students were exposed to transformative experiences. Initiatives like the Voice Lab, a video storytelling club and design project, emerged, showcasing the power of merging global citizenship principles with education.
“Inspire Citizens developed an ‘Out of the Blocks’ media program, and our local take on that at SFS became a series called ‘Into the Gu’; in Korean the word ‘Gu’ is connected to words for neighbourhood, and we had students going out in the local area interviewing people and creating media. It was really meaningful,” says Jan-Mark. He also recounts stories of students who, inspired by these initiatives, pursued careers in filmmaking and storytelling.
Beyond the visible projects, Jan-Mark notes the subtle changes Inspire Citizens brought to SFS. Curriculum connections to service learning became more pronounced, and the focus expanded to diversity and inclusion. Aaron played a pivotal role in the journey to crafting a statement of belief around inclusion, and his presence on campus led to many conversations and ripple effects that have deeply shaped the school culture.
“Subtle but transformative change came in the ways we all think about connecting curriculum to service learning and global citizenship,” explains Jan-Mark. “There’s a legacy here.”
Words of Wisdom: Navigating the Path Towards Change
Reflecting on the transformative journey, Jan-Mark shares valuable advice for educators and leaders:
Lead by example: Be willing to roll up your sleeves and actively participate in the work.
Start small and act locally: Teachers can initiate change in their classrooms, while leaders pave the way for larger systemic shifts.
Build a support network: Connect with like-minded educators and schools; collaboration and shared experiences are powerful catalysts for change.
Stay positive and be persistent: Anticipate pushback, stay positive, and celebrate incremental progress.
Reflect and celebrate: After a year or two, step back, assess progress, and celebrate achievements.
A Legacy of Change
Jan-Mark's journey with global citizenship at SFS exemplifies the potential for lasting change when schools embrace global citizenship at a foundational level and partner with an organization like Inspire Citizens to create a plan and achieve outcomes.
For those interested in learning more or seeking advice, Jan-Mark Sewald welcomes inquiries through email or LinkedIn. The journey towards a global citizenship culture is ongoing, and SFS stands as a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in shaping an entire school’s ethos and vision.
Jan-Mark leading sessions about active global citizenship on campus at Seoul Foreign School in South Korea.