In the ever-evolving landscape of international education, few stories illustrate vision, persistence, and innovation quite like the birth of AESA Global. What began as a local commitment to global understanding has grown into an international network advancing educational collaboration across continents.
From Classroom to Global Vision
Our story begins with Jason Hiruo, a recognized innovator in global education and international collaboration with more than 25 years of experience. His career began in Newtown, Connecticut as a teacher of American and world literature. Even in those early years, the seeds of global thinking were present. Literature, culture, and identity were not just subjects of study but were bridges to understanding the wider world. As Jason transitioned into high school administration, his commitment to global engagement deepened. He founded the Newtown International Center for Education (NICE) with the help of motivated faculty and families. The program was designed to strengthen international partnerships and expand student learning through cross-cultural collaboration. NICE reflected a belief that global education should not be reserved for the elite or higher education institutions but rather be embedded in public education systems.
Leadership, Arts, and National Growth
Jason's leadership expanded when he joined ACES (Area Cooperative Educational Services) as Principal and Artistic Director of the renowned Educational Center for the Arts (ECA) High School. ACES is an AESA organizational member. There, he combined arts education with global engagement to build thematic activities for arts students and instructors, demonstrating that creativity and intercultural exchange are powerful companions in preparing students for the future. His expertise extended beyond global partnerships as educators throughout Connecticut and surrounding states connected to him to learn of his international education model.
The Founding of ACES International
In 2015, Jason founded ACES International, pioneering the formal integration of global education into Connecticut's public school districts. This marked a defining moment. What had once been a set of partnerships and programs evolved into a structured, scalable global initiative.
Under his leadership, ACES International achieved a historic milestone: the launch of the first public education service center office abroad in Beijing. This move signaled something transformative—public education systems could have an international presence, not just international aspirations.
Over the next several years, ACES International expanded its partnerships from foundational beginnings into a growing worldwide network. By 2023, the model had demonstrated that global education could be coordinated at scale while remaining responsive to local needs.
The Transition to AESA Global
In 2023, a pivotal partnership emerged with the Association of Education Service Agencies (AESA). Through collaboration with AESA's national network, ACES International evolved into AESA Global—extending its reach to 45 U.S. states, throughout North America, and coordinating partnerships worldwide.
This was more than a rebranding. It was a structural transformation.
AESA Global became the international arm supporting AESA members—connecting education service agencies, school districts, and global institutions through structured field studies, international exchanges, innovation labs, research initiatives, and leadership academies.
Today, AESA Global serves as a bridge between local educational systems and international opportunity.
A Philosophy Rooted in Connection
As Chief Global Officer of AESA Global, Jason Hiruo leads international relations and global development initiatives centered around a powerful guiding principle:
Local-to-Global and Global-to-Local.
This philosophy emphasizes that global learning must strengthen local communities—and that local expertise has value on the global stage. AESA Global does not simply send educators abroad; it cultivates reciprocal exchange, mutual respect, and shared innovation.
Through international field studies, cultural immersion programs, global coordinator training, and strategic partnerships, AESA Global advances:
- Cross-cultural competence
- Comparative education inquiry
- Leadership development
- Intercultural collaboration
- Global workforce readiness
Empowering the Next Generation
At its core, AESA Global was born from a belief that education must transcend borders. It is rooted in inclusive access, collaboration, and the conviction that students and educators alike benefit from global engagement.
From a World Literature classroom in Connecticut to an international network spanning continents, AESA Global represents the evolution of a simple yet powerful idea:
When we connect locally and globally, education becomes transformational.
As AESA Global continues to expand in 2026 and beyond, its mission remains clear—empowering educators, strengthening institutions, and preparing the next generation for a globally connected world.
The journey that began with one educator's vision has grown into a movement—one that continues to redefine what is possible in public education.
