Global Literacy Invitations (GLI)

The Global Literacy Invitations Project helps 3rd–6th grade teachers use high-quality children’s literature to build global awareness and connections in the classroom. Through the program, teachers learn the “Global Literacy Invitation” instructional strategy and explore ways for students to engage in open-ended, multidisciplinary investigations. These investigations extend the book’s themes into subjects like technology, science, math, music, and art, encouraging deeper learning and creativity.

The Global Literacy Invitations is a strategy refined by Leana McClain, Senior Clinical Lecturer Emerita and co-led with Vesna Dimitrieska.

The GLI Summer Institute is a professional development program that helps teachers learn to teach globally using the Global Literacy Invitations strategy. Participants gain hands-on experience creating their own GLI units and receive books, resources, and support to implement them in their classrooms.

This program is divided into two parts. Part I is a five-day summer institute, and Part II is a virtual share event where teachers present their GLI work.

Part I: Summer Institute

Date: June 9th - June 13th

Time: 9:00am - 2:15pm EST

Location: Indiana University Bloomington

Part II: Virtual Share

After the participants attend the summer institute, they will teach original Global Literacy Invitations in their classroom and share their Global Literacy Invitations and student responses at this Virtual Share Fair.

Time: Four-hour event, from 4pm-8pm

Date: Saturday, December 4th, 2025

Location: Virtually on---

Upon full completion of all program requirements, participants will receive:

• A set of ~15 globally themed children’s picture books.
• A certificate documenting 35 professional growth points.
• A $300 stipend for full participation in the Summer Institute.
• Travel assistance, available on a first-come, first-served basis for participants traveling over 35 miles

Note: All the requirements (full attendance, meeting all project deadlines, and creating and presenting GLIs) need to be met to receive the stipend, the books, and the PG points. No exceptions.