Bridging Continents Through Democratic Education: Educators from Ohio Visit Berlin Cosmopolitan School

On June 6, Berlin Cosmopolitan School (BCS) welcomed a group of 22 educators from the United States as part of an international study tour exploring how schools in Germany teach democratic values and Holocaust remembrance. Led by Dr. Brad Maguth, Professor of Social Studies Education and Director of the H.K. Barker Center for Economic Education at the University of Akron, the delegation included university faculty, undergraduate students, and experienced teachers, many of whom are currently engaged in a course focused on Holocaust and genocide education.

The visit to BCS was an intentional and meaningful stop on their journey through Germany and Poland. “Our group is traveling to various sites to meet with expert educators who promote inquiry-based methods that prepare youth for democratic life and global learning,” Dr. Maguth explained. “Our visit to Berlin Cosmopolitan School was an obvious choice due to the school’s mission of preparing learners for a more compassionate and connected world.”

During their time on campus, the Ohio educators were warmly welcomed by School Founder Yvonne Wende and guided throughout the visit by Robin Dudley Williams, Head of the Social Studies Department at BCS.

The group observed lessons, participated in discussions with students and teachers, and gained insights into how BCS fosters democratic education through critical thinking, inclusivity, and multilingual learning. Of particular interest were the school’s approaches to teaching difficult historical topics such as the Holocaust and global conflict. Several visiting educators noted the strong sense of community in BCS classrooms, the global perspective students brought into discussions, and the depth of inquiry-based learning on display.

Sydney Trem, a graduate student from the University of Akron, remarked, “I was truly impressed with the small class sizes and the strong rapport and relationship evident between teachers and their students.” Similarly, Ms. Abby Booth, a teacher from Canton City School District, noted: “It was a very globally aware group of learners that were eager and excited to enlist multicultural perspectives when engaging in conversations on contemporary global issues.”

Dr. Maguth’s reflections underscored a shared commitment between BCS and the University of Akron to nurturing democratic values through innovative pedagogy. “Like many democracies around the world, threats exist that can stifle democratic norms,” he stated. “Youth must be prepared through high-quality multicultural education that debunks stereotypes and promotes bridges of understanding.”

At BCS, democratic learning is embedded not only in the curriculum but also in co-curricular initiatives, student engagement, and community partnerships. The school’s emphasis on experiential, inquiry-driven learning—whether in the city or on its Nature Campus—resonated deeply with the visitors, many of whom conduct research projects as part of their course work. These projects will later be shared with colleagues, schools, and policymakers in Ohio, including representatives from the Governor’s Office.

The exchange highlighted striking similarities between BCS and the University of Akron’s LeBron James Family Foundation School of Education. Both institutions serve students from diverse backgrounds, offer scholarships to underrepresented groups, and embrace a global outlook. Dr. Maguth emphasized that “a functioning democracy requires a population that is capable of understanding their obligations to society and one another,” drawing connections between economic education and democratic participation.

As the visit concluded, the spirit of collaboration, reflection, and mutual learning was evident. For BCS, the encounter reaffirmed the value of opening its doors to global educators committed to nurturing future generations of responsible, critically engaged, and compassionate citizens.

Berlin Cosmopolitan School is proud to share its approach and expertise in democratic education with partners around the world—and remains committed to building an international network of educators invested in shaping a better tomorrow.