The Wiley Learning Institute and National Louis University’s Office of Teaching are partnering to host the Global Education First Conference (GEFC) September 26-27, 2013 on the NLU Chicago campus. The purpose of the GEFC is to inform educators about how they can increase the effectiveness of local projects that seek to improve access to quality education and foster global citizenship in post-secondary learning environments.

The conference, inspired by the United Nations Secretary-General’s Global Education First Initiative (GEFI), seeks to renew and reinvigorate global commitments to education. The goal of the GEFI is to 1) put every child in school, 2) improve the quality of learning, and 3) foster global citizenship. Jean-Pierre Ezin, a mathematics professor in Benin, Africa and former Commissioner in charge of Human Resources, Science and Technology at the African Union Commission, will be the featured presenter. National Louis, well-known for a deep history of providing access to high-quality education for individuals of all backgrounds, as well as its innovative preparation of future teachers, also has leadership and faculty presenting at the event, including Generosa Lopez-Molina, vice provost of Academic Programs and Faculty Development, and James O’Meara, lead director of the Office of Teaching and Learning and Director of the Advanced Studies in Teaching at NLU.

“The Wiley Learning Institute team looks forward to facilitating the virtual portion of this amazing event. Presenters from all around the world—including Sudan, Kenya, Nigeria, United Kingdom, India, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States—will focus on issues of access to and quality of education, as well as global citizenship” said Kevin Kelly, Ed.D., Director of Wiley Learning Institute. 

NLU, in partnership with The Wiley Learning Institute, also is promoting access to the event through use of technology via virtual attendance of the GEFC. A special registration rate is available for educators located in least developed countries.  As part of the conference activities, The African Scientific Institute is holding a networking event, “STEM Learning Exchange Mixer: Bridging the Divide,” on the evening of September 26. A pre-conference event about higher education in Africa will be held on September 25 in Grayslake, IL. For more information and other conference details, including registration, visit http://www.nl.edu/t4/gefc/eventsdates/.

About Wiley Learning Institute

Wiley Learning Institute advances and supports online professional development for higher education faculty and campus leaders. Through an unlimited online subscription, institutions, individual faculty, and department chairs can access live events, on-demand workshops, and other resources to help solve teaching, learning, and leadership development challenges. Through partnerships with college and university systems, campuses, and faculty development centers, Wiley Learning Institute enables faculty to excel in their work, fulfill the education mission of their institutions, and provide additional opportunities to enhance teaching and learning.

About National Louis University 
Founded in 1886, National Louis is a nonprofit, non-denominational University comprised of three colleges:  National College of Education; College of Arts & Sciences; and College of Management and Business. From its inception, National Louis has provided educational access to adult, immigrant and minority populations – a mission it sustains today. The University offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in fields of education, management, human services, counseling, public policy, and others concerned with human and community development. National Louis is well-known for an exceptional history in teacher preparation, and continues to be a leader in educating future teachers and community leaders to succeed in urban environments. For more information, visit www.nl.edu.