Inspiring Generations: Sinead Naughton
Sinead Naughton is on a mission. She is determined to instill a sense of social justice and social action in each of her student’s lives. For the last three years, Sinead has been the moderator of a Global Concerns Club in the school at which she teaches in New York City. She created the club and is undoubtedly the reason for its amazing success: club membership is nearly a quarter of the student population in the school. It is not only the largest club in the school, but also the most active.
During weekly club meetings, students engage in various activities to raise awareness of international issues in their school. Although students direct and facilitate the club activities, Sinead’s hard work ensures that the students’ projects are successful by creating a space to share the students’ work with the entire school. She creates an open and positive environment where all students feel welcome. Through her teaching and by being an example of a model “global citizen,” Sinead is making a difference in the world every single day.
When the Global Concerns Classroom asked Sinead about the impact of her work, she stated, “Since the conception of our Global Concern's Club, we have seen an increase in the students’ understanding and empathy about global poverty. In fact, as a result of the club's relentless efforts to raise awareness of international issues, we have seen this change throughout the entire school!” Through her classes and club activities, Sinead is teaching generations of students that through their actions and voices, they can make a positive difference in the world.