Teacher Education Students to Help Facilitate High School Model UN Conference

SUNY Plattsburgh will soon play host to more than 200 North Country high school students who will try to solve the world’s problems through role playing in a two-day Model United Nations event Thursday and Friday, Dec. 4 and 5 at the Angell College Center.

Held in partnership with the university’s BA/MST teacher education program, Champlain Valley Model UN is “a student-centered, project-based learning initiative that simulates the operations of the United Nations,” said Kate McCormick, CVMUN coordinator and special education teacher at Plattsburgh High School. “It aligns with New York state educational standards and supports the upcoming ‘Portrait of a Graduate’ framework, emphasizing critical thinking, collaboration, and global awareness.”

Sarah Hackett, SUNY Plattsburgh lecturer in education, is the event’s organizer on campus with help from the BA/MST teacher candidates.

“The event is designed to run smoothly and on schedule, providing students with an engaging, hands-on experience in diplomacy, debate and global problem-solving,” Hackett said.

Particularly Timely

“Given the current challenges and fast-changing events in the United States and around the world, this MUN is particularly timely,” she said. “It gives students a chance to think critically about pressing international and domestic issues, practice collaborative decision-making, and develop leadership skills in a realistic setting.”

Model UN programs operate as closely to the real thing as possible. Participants role-play as delegates, debating global issues in an attempt to sway, negotiate and compromise with other “nations” represented by students. In this setting, they learn about international relations, gain public-speaking skills, participate in collaborative research work and meet students from across the region.

“Students act as delegates representing assigned countries,” McCormick said. “Schools apply for country assignments and students conduct research on their nations and relevant global issues. Committee directors prepare study guides, and chairs oversee debates during sessions.

Deepens Understanding

“Activities include formal debates on international topics, drafting resolutions, negotiating compromises, and voting on proposals,” she said. “These exercises help students develop negotiation, persuasive speaking, and analytical writing skills while deepening their understanding of global affairs.”

It also showcases SUNY Plattsburgh’s commitment to community engagement, Hackett said.

“It gives our teacher candidates valuable mentorship and facilitation experience,” she said. “We also see this as an opportunity to create a lasting model for collaboration between higher education and local schools. It also provides admissions with an opportunity to introduce or reintroduce SUNY Plattsburgh as an (educational) option, familiarizing high school students with the university environment and helping them envision themselves as future college students.”

For more information, contact Hackett at 518-564-5124 or email [email protected].

— By Associate Director of Communications Gerianne Downs

— File Photo