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September 19, 2019One of the world’s most prestigious and competitive fellowship program awards has been given to Mount Saint Mary Catholic High School’s social studies teacher, Johnathan Baldridge. The competitive Fulbright-Hays study abroad award offers significant professional learning opportunities.
The Fulbright program was founded by U.S. Sen. J. William Fulbright in 1946 and is one of the world’s most recognized and prestigious scholarships. The program’s goal is to strengthen diplomacy by improving cultural relations through the exchange of people, cultural immersion, experience, knowledge and educational skills.
In May, Baldridge and nine fellow social studies educators, traveled to Morocco, a developing country with a high levels of poverty. Baldridge was there during Ramadan, a time of fasting, that provided the opportunity to witness Moroccans live their faith.
Baldridge says the experience was valuable and lends a new perspective on the world that he will use to develop curriculum and promote cultural awareness in his classroom.
“There is a high degree of poverty in the country and ordinary people struggle so much day-to-day in their lives and that was a big shock to witness in person,” Baldridge said. “At the same time, even with all of their struggles and the challenges of living day-to-day, they were still able to create such a colorful and vibrant culture. They have done such a wonderful job of protecting their cultural traditions, such as music, dance, arts and crafts, and it is a really colorful country with amazing people.
Baldridge said recognizing the humanity and dignity of all God’s children around the world and helping make the world a better place to live for all is a key value of the Catholic faith.
MSM Principal Talita DeNegri said Baldridge is one of the most popular teachers with the kids at the school.
“He is a beacon, not only for our faith, but also for the academic rigor of our Mount community. The kids just soak it all in when he talks,” DeNegri said.
“This honor speaks loudly for him because now, after all the training and guidance, not only academically and professionally, but spiritually, we have a young man who is an incredible teacher and a spiritual leader in our building.”
Baldridge said he plans to integrate his experience into his classroom where students might be inspired to take action in their own lives to live their faith by making the world a better place.
Eliana Tedrow is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
