Global Schools Advocates Program 2026: Fully Supported Opportunity for Teachers Worldwide
Are you a teacher or school leader passionate about education for sustainable development (ESD), climate action and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? The Global Schools Advocates Program 2026 is inviting educators from around the world to join a global community working to bring sustainable development into classrooms and school communities.
The program provides free online training, mentorship, teaching resources, professional development opportunities and a global network of educators committed to creating a more sustainable world.
📍 Location: Online / Worldwide
🎓 Eligible: Primary and secondary school teachers worldwide
💰 Funding: Free program
⏰ Time commitment: Minimum 5 hours per week
📚 Training: 10–15 hours online
🎯 Focus: Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), SDGs & sustainability
🏆 Benefits: Training, mentorship, global educator network, toolkit & certificate
📅 Application Deadline: September 18, 2026
Global Schools Advocates Program 2026
The Global Schools Advocates Program is a cohort-based initiative designed for teachers and school leaders who want to integrate sustainable development into their teaching and school activities.
The program supports educators in bringing topics such as sustainability, justice, inequality and the Sustainable Development Goals into classrooms and school communities.
Developed using insights from more than 220 sustainable development experts and 40+ educators, the program provides participants with training, pedagogical resources and opportunities to connect with like-minded educators globally.
Who Can Become a Global Schools Advocate?
Global Schools Advocates are educators working at the:
- Pre-primary level
- Primary school level
- Secondary school level
Participants act as local action planners, working with their school communities to introduce and strengthen education for sustainable development.
What Does the Global Schools Advocates Program Include?
1. Free Online Training
Selected educators complete an online training program focused on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
The training introduces participants to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provides practical ideas for integrating sustainable development into classroom teaching.
The training is delivered online in an asynchronous format, with optional live lectures, and takes approximately 10–15 hours to complete.
After successfully completing the training, participants receive the Global Schools Advocate title and Advocate Toolkit.
2. Introduce ESD to Your School Community
Advocates introduce Education for Sustainable Development to students, teachers, departments and school leadership.
This can include conducting an ESD workshop for colleagues and using Global Schools resources to introduce sustainable development topics to students.
Educators can adapt the approach to their local school and community context.
3. Integrate Sustainable Development Into Teaching
Participants use the Advocate Toolkit, lesson plans and activity guides to implement lessons and activities that help students understand sustainable development and take action.
There is no requirement to follow a fixed curriculum. Advocates can adapt activities to their school’s needs with support from the Global Schools team.
4. Join a Global Educator Community
Advocates can participate in monthly professional development sessions, engage with educator mentors and exchange ideas with teachers from around the world.
Participants are also encouraged to share their experiences and lessons learned with the Global Schools community.
Benefits of the Global Schools Advocates Program
Teachers accepted into the program receive:
- Free online training in sustainable development education
- Monthly online workshops and discussions
- Access to a global network of educators
- Opportunities to participate in conferences and showcase advocacy work
- A structured mentorship program
- A comprehensive Advocate Toolkit with 17+ supporting documents
- A formal Certificate of Completion
Selected educators may also have opportunities to share their work at events including the International Conference on Sustainable Development, Vatican Youth Symposium and ECOSOC Youth Forum.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The Global Schools Advocates Program is open to teachers working at primary and secondary schools worldwide.
Teachers participating through volunteering programs such as UN Volunteers, Fulbright and Teach for All may also be eligible.
Applicants should:
- Be a primary or secondary school teacher
- Have a high level of English to complete the training and participate in the global network
- Be willing to commit at least 5 hours per week
- Have a passion for the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement
- Be willing to learn and engage with an international community of educators
- Be able to inspire and motivate other teachers and school staff
- Be interested in integrating sustainable development into their school community
Previous experience with the SDGs is not required.
How Much Time Does the Program Require?
Participants are expected to dedicate a minimum of 5 hours per week to the program.
This time can include learning, developing ideas with other educators, experimenting with sustainable development approaches in lesson plans and helping create a movement for sustainable development within the school.
Global Schools Advocates Program 2026 Deadline
The application deadline is:
September 18, 2026
Teachers and school leaders interested in participating are encouraged to review the program requirements and supporting documents before submitting an application.
How to Apply for the Global Schools Advocates Program
Interested educators can apply online through the official application form:
Applicants can also review the Terms of Reference, FAQ and Training Syllabus before applying. The program materials provide additional information about participant requirements, course content and expectations.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Education plays an important role in helping young people understand and respond to global challenges such as climate change, inequality and sustainable development.
Through the Global Schools Advocates Program, educators receive practical resources and a global network to help bring these issues into classrooms and encourage students to become active contributors to a more sustainable future.
If you are a teacher looking for a free international professional development opportunity in sustainable development education, the Global Schools Advocates Program 2026 could be an excellent opportunity to consider.
Global Schools Advocates Program 2026 – Quick Summary
| Opportunity | Global Schools Advocates Program |
|---|---|
| Who can apply? | Teachers and eligible educators |
| Location | Worldwide |
| Format | Online |
| Training | Free |
| Training duration | Approximately 10–15 hours |
| Time commitment | Minimum 5 hours per week |
| Mentorship | Yes |
| Educator network | Yes |
| Certificate | Yes |
| Previous SDG experience | Not required |
| Application deadline | September 18, 2026 |
Apply before September 18, 2026 and join educators around the world working to advance education for sustainable development.
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