Over the coming week, the 2026-2027 Lower School Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL) Faculty Cohort will explore South Africa through the lens of Conservation, next year’s global theme. The cohort’s itinerary is designed to examine diverse facets of the topic—from wildlife, biodiversity and marine preservation to cultural and linguistic conservation. These experiences will inform the creation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum to be integrated into classrooms throughout the coming school year.

Cohort participants include Pre-First teacher Lynette Martinez, first-grade teacher Bryanna Leyen, second-grade teacher Julia Snyder, third-grade teacher Deja Simley, fourth-grade teacher Marisa Zhuño, fifth-grade teacher Brian McKinley, Science Specialist Kara Saiz, Head Librarian Brittany Barnes and Director of Curriculum and Professional Development Amy Underwood. Director of Lower School Global Leadership Rebecca Wooten leads the Cohort. Follow the ICGL Faculty Cohort’s adventures via the ICGL Instagram account.