105. The Next Generation of Diplomats: RMS Model UN

This episode of the Affton Unplugged podcast features a discussion led by Superintendent Travis Bracht regarding the Model United Nations program at Rogers Middle School. Teacher Laura Hubbard explains how the curriculum, established in 2019, teaches students about global diplomacy, sustainable development goals, and international policy. Several eighth-grade students share their experiences researching real-world crises, such as poverty in Venezuela and hurricane relief in Jamaica, while representing the specific values of their assigned countries. The group highlights a unique General Assembly hosted by the school, where they collaborated with peers from another local middle school to negotiate resolutions. Ultimately, the participants emphasize how the program builds essential 21st-century skills like empathy, public speaking, and collaborative problem-solving. Through these academic simulations, students develop a deeper connection to current events and gain a better understanding of their potential to impact the world.