Peace Education at Teachers Without Borders

The comprehensive program moves from the theoretical to the practical. It begins with the
history and definitions of peace education; its philosophical underpinnings; and the core
concepts in the peace studies field. The program then explores the scope of peace education,
reviewing areas such as Human Rights Education and Multicultural Education. The second half
emphasizes practical applications and provides tools and selected activities that teachers can
immediately use with their students.
After completing the program's three units, teachers are asked to create their own peace
education resource. They can develop a lesson plan; start a peace club; plan a community
event; or anything they choose that shows they are making an effort to integrate peace
education into their communities. After completing this assignment, teachers will receive a
Certificate of Completion in Peace Education from TWB.
The course is useful for educators of any level and sphere, as the lessons and principles are
easily adaptable to anyone interested in peace education. We all can be teachers of peace by
leading by example in our day-to-day lives, and peace education can take place in the formal,
non-formal and informal sectors. However, teachers have a particularly important role to play in
promoting peace, as they serve as role models and knowledge sources for children and young
adults at a formative phase in their development. By being role models for peaceful living, and
by helping learners to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to live peacefully,
teachers can play a vital role in the transformation towards a culture of peace.
The online format of this program allows peace education to reach across borders. Teachers
around the world can easily access the course material for free and bring peace education to
their regions. The TWB Social Network allows teachers to discuss the program; exchange ideas
about strengths and challenges; share lesson plans and strategies; and build a peace education
learning community.
TWB organizes in-person workshops in many regions. Through these workshops, TWB intends
to reach across the digital divide to teachers who may not yet have access to the internet, while
at the same time providing the opportunity to bring teachers together to learn from one
another. While TWB sees the value of technology in helping to spread ideas at the global
scale, we view in-person trainings as an important way to promote interpersonal learning
exchanges.
Click here to read an article about TWB's Peace Education Program published by the University
for Peace.
Click here to read the introduction to the Global Campaign for Peace Education newsletter
written by TWB's Peace Education Program Coordinator.