In this increasingly flattened world, learning to think critically about global affairs is of utmost importance. Students need to learn how local and global affairs are interdependent; they need to be able to identify shared interests and to collaborate with others across national borders. "Twelve Lessons to Open Classrooms and Minds to the World" is the result of a collaborative effort organized by the NEA Foundation to support outstanding teacher-leaders in developing 21st century global curriculum that is aligned with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals - a universal call-to-action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. This collection of k-12 lesson plans created by the NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellows is an easily-accessible guide that provides educators with essential tools to be able to prepare students for active global citizenship.