Global educators study American teaching methods

The University of North Dakota College of Education and Human Development has received it's third U.S. Department of State Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program grant to host 27 international educators for six weeks this fall.

The Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program also known as the TEA Grant, is one of several grant programs of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State and administered by the International Research and Exchange Board. Its purpose is to provide the selected group of educators the opportunity to collaborate with U.S. educators at UND and in the Grand Forks School District so they can develop expertise planning and teaching skills. The experience will also help the educators to increase their knowledge about the United States and its educational systems as well as develop productive relationships among the international group and with their American counterparts.

The group of educators arrived on the UND campus on Thursday, September 24. There was a reception held for the group on Friday, September 25, at the North Dakota Museum of Art where they mingled with UND faculty and other individuals from the community. The 27 educators include two social studies teachers and twenty-five ESL teachers from twelve different countries. This trip is the first to the United States for all of the teachers. "We've been here for less than 48 hours now and it's been amazing so far. Everyone has been very welcoming and I know we'll enjoy our time in Grand Forks," said Julienne Paul-Lishou, an English teacher from Senegal.

UND is one of only four universities across the country to participate in the program. The program coordinators are Dr. Donna Pearson, assistant professor of social studies education, and Dr. Anne Walker, assistant professor of literacy and English language learner education in the Department of Teaching and Learning. "To have teachers here from 12 different countries is a fantastic opportunity to learn about cross-cultural communication and how education varies around the world," said Walker. "The many UND professors, Grand Forks teachers, students and others involved will hopefully develop lasting relationships with their international colleagues."

The award, in the amount of $168,559, will help aide in sustaining the program. The international teachers will take part in various activities and workshops such as academic sessions, an English language course, a Technology course, and a Mentor-internship in the Grand Forks Public Schools. Additionally, the teachers will participate in other cultural activities that include a football and hockey game, a local school board meeting, International Night at the University, a production at the Chester Fritz, a trip to Mall of America in Minneapolis, and a capitol tour in Bismarck with visits to other historical sites.