Katharine Mosher, a second-grade teacher at Carrollwood Day School, understands the profound impact of empowering students to take ownership of their learning journey. She strives to cultivate open-mindedness, a passion for exploring diverse cultures, and a drive to become well-rounded individuals eager to make a positive impact on the world. Last summer, when the opportunity arose to participate in a faculty exchange through Round Square, Ms. Mosher traveled to Rwanda and immersed herself in the vibrant learning environment of Green Hills Academy. She explored innovative teaching methods, embraced cultural traditions, and returned to CDS inspired to enrich her classroom with fresh ideas and a broader worldview — a reflection of CDS’s ongoing commitment to fostering global connections through the Round Square initiative.
Upon returning, she was delighted to see that her students were truly invested in her experience. In allowing them to take agency over their learning, they surprised her by showing so much interest in her trip.
“I could not have foreseen how deeply my students would want to understand Rwandan culture and life. Not only were we able to incorporate my travels into our communities and ecosystems unit, but I was also able to give them real world examples with my pictures and stories from Rwanda. Because of my trip, I feel that I was able to make the IB experience what it truly should be. We brainstormed ideas, asked questions, researched as much as we could, shared our findings, and accomplished the goals of our units together.” Read more about Ms. Mosher's trip to Rwanda HERE.
Today, months after her trip to Rwanda, both Ms. Mosher and her students are continuing to benefit from her exchange. Her students began writing heartfelt letters to their Rwandan peers at Green Hills Academy, sharing personal stories, aspirations, and glimpses into their daily lives. This March, all of the students came together for a virtual visit, where students on both sides of the screen introduced themselves with bright smiles and eager hearts, forging connections that transcended borders, and memories that will surely remain.
The call buzzed with curiosity and laughter as students marveled at both their shared experiences and unique differences. They were thrilled to discover they were exploring the same unit of inquiry on time, linking their curriculums across continents. The Green Hills students captivated their CDS friends with their multilingual abilities, fluently speaking Kinyarwanda and English, while also studying French and traditional Rwandan dance. For Ms. Mosher, the Zoom call was a touching reunion with her host teacher and the welcoming administrators she met in Rwanda, which was a heartfelt reminder of the lasting connections fostered through this cultural exchange.
This collaboration beautifully embodies the spirit of Round Square and the mission of CDS, promoting understanding, empathy, and international stewardship. As our students continue to explore the world from their classroom, they not only gain insights into global diversity but also uncover the universal threads that bind us all. Through initiatives like these, CDS continues to shape young global citizens — curious, compassionate, and inspired to create a more connected and harmonious world.