Justin A. Coles, associate professor of social justice education in the College of Education, is addressing the challenge of limited civic education training resources for teachers in South Africa through his Fulbright Specialist Program project, “Strengthening Civic Education through Teacher Development,” at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and surrounding school districts in July.

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Civic education in schools plays a crucial role in developing responsible citizens who actively participate in their communities and contribute positively to society. However, in some countries and districts, civic education curriculum is limited, and teachers lack the necessary training and resources to effectively teach civic education concepts and engage students in meaningful learning experiences. 

Coles is one of 400 U.S. faculty and established professionals to be chosen as a Fulbright Specialist to travel abroad and serve as a short-term expert consultant to complete a project-based exchange at one of the 160 Fulbright Program host institutions. Coles learned of his award in May and, since late June, has been at UKZN’s Edgewood campus and the surrounding area of Pinetown for the two-week grant program. 

“I’m honored to be selected for the Fulbright program and grateful to be at a university that is committed to this work,” said Coles, who also serves as director of arts, culture and political engagements at the Center of Racial Justice and Youth Engaged Research at UMass Amherst.

Coles, who is originally from the Philadelphia area, brings his research expertise in critical race studies, urban education, language and literacy, and Black studies along with his experience as a former 8th grade teacher who taught literature through the lens of civics. 

Working in partnership with the U.S. Embassy, UKZN and the local Pinetown school district, Coles will facilitate training sessions specifically designed for educators who teach life orientation and social sciences subjects in 10 Pinetown schools. The workshops will provide resources and help teachers develop strategic skills to enhance and expand their current civic education curriculum. 

The project also aims to develop a deeper level of learner engagement and understanding of civic values for both teachers and students. It’s main goal—to empower teachers in South Africa to deliver high-quality civic education to their students.

“With this project, we can dismantle intellectual borders and begin to see our youth as civic theorists. With the right tools and support, teachers across the globe can help them become the next generation of engaged and responsible citizens,” he said. 

Fulbright Specialists are selected based on academic and professional achievement, demonstrated leadership in their field, and their potential to foster long-term cooperation between institutions in the U.S. and abroad. 

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government designed to build lasting connections between U.S. citizens and those of other countries. The program is funded through an annual appropriation made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of State. 

For more information, visit the Fulbright Specialist Program and the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs websites.