CLAYTON MORRELL

With a dynamic background spanning international education, cross-cultural communication, and
advocacy for global issues, I bring a wealth of diverse experiences to the field of education. Beginning
my teaching career in Okinawa, Japan, as part of the Japanese Ministry of Education-sponsored JET
Program, I developed original curriculum and fostered community connections while teaching on a
remote outer island. This immersive experience underscored the importance of community and
intercultural communication in educational settings.

Subsequently, I volunteered with Peace Boat, an esteemed Japan-based international NGO established
for the purpose of raising awareness and building connections internationally among groups that work
for peace, human rights, environmental protection, and sustainable development, during their 99th
Global Voyage. As an English teacher, media creator, event organizer, and cultural exchange facilitator, I
circumnavigated the globe, deepening my commitment to global awareness and fostering intercultural
understanding. During this voyage, I conducted impactful work in various ports of call, including
facilitating an international exchange program at the Boys and Girls Club in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and
organizing an educational scavenger hunt in Singapore. These experiences not only broadened my
understanding of diverse cultures but also reinforced my dedication to global education and community
engagement.

Building on my experience with Peace Boat, I continued my dedication to global issues by volunteering
at the Peace Boat US office. Here, I actively promoted peace, human rights, and sustainability through
various initiatives, including engagements at the United Nations.
Notably, at the request of a member of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Organization ICAN (International
Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons), I provided support to Hibakusha, atomic bomb survivors, during
the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) at the United Nations in 2019. This
experience highlighted my commitment to advocating for nuclear disarmament on an international stage
and further solidified my dedication to peace building, amplifying the voices of those affected by nuclear
weapons.

Continuing my teaching journey, I expanded my impact at the Japanese American Society of New Jersey,
delivering tailored curriculum and seminars for English language learners and professionals across New
Jersey and internationally in Japan via virtual platforms.
Simultaneously, as a visual arts teacher in Brooklyn, New York, I crafted and implemented an engaging
Visual Arts Curriculum for middle school scholars, emphasizing creativity, diversity, student voice, and
artistic expression. I spearheaded school-wide events such as original animated video productions, art
galleries and art auctions, providing platforms for our school community to showcase their talents and
creativity. In addition, I founded a chapter of the National Junior Art Honor Society at my middle school,
serving as the sponsor chair. I also initiated an elective program, where I teach a course in Introduction
to Japanese.

Through these diverse experiences, I have cultivated a profound understanding of global issues, cross-cultural communication, and the power of education to inspire positive change. I am dedicated to advancing innovative educational practices, fostering global understanding, and empowering our scholars to become engaged citizens of the world.