Having lived and studied in different parts of the world, I believe that looking at educational issues from an international/global lens just came naturally to me. Global perspectives help one look at issues from various angles and approach them from a very unique perspective. We live in an interconnected world where we cannot separate ourselves from other educators across the globe. I believe that it is through collaboration, reflection and knowledge-sharing that we are able to empower individuals and improve the quality of teaching and learning nationally and internationally. This is what ISEE at Pitt is all about.
One of my best memories while being at Pitt Education was meeting with classmates from almost every part of the world either during my course of study or while participating in events and conferences. These connections later developed into friendships as well as work and research partnerships that I will forever value and appreciate.
I would encourage international students to join Pitt Education because it can really be a life-changing experience. It helped me realize my potential as an educator and as a researcher and it enhanced my skills and capacities in so many more areas. I always believed I was a global citizen of the world. After I joined Pitt, I learned about my role as a global citizen and the tools through which I can bring people together, build bridges and, simply, establish dialogues. This led me to start Universal Narratives, a platform to connect and amplify global educators.
Salma Waly holds a PhD in Instruction and Learning from the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh, PA. She is the founder and CEO of Universal Narratives, an educational consultancy company. She also hosts the Universal Narratives Podcast in which she interviews global educators on a wide-range of issues. She is an expert pedagogical coach, teacher-trainer, curriculum developer and educational leader. Her research focuses on teacher identity, education at times of socio-political change as well as creating equitable learning and teaching spaces. She recently published her first children’s book series titled Maryam the New Yorker, featuring immigrant and multiracial characters. She teaches and supervises public and private school teachers in New York City.