For the first time, teachers from Lithuania [12] and Oman [13] joined educators from 27 other nations to further develop their vocations and share cultures in the United States.
They and their colleagues showed outstanding records and potential to make a difference among the communities they serve abroad. They recently met at a four-day Welcome Workshop in Washington, D.C., preparing to embark to different locations in the U.S.
“Over the course of a 30-year career, these 89 teachers will reach more than 400,000 students across the world,” said Joyce Warner [14], Vice-President for IREX’s Education Programs Division. “They play a vital role in improving the lives of so many who are eager for quality education.”
Humaid Salam Nasser Al Jabri, a teacher from Oman [13], expressed gratitude for the opportunity to observe U.S. education methodologies and serve as a cultural ambassador for his Middle Eastern country.
“Through me, my students will learn more about American cultures and also the cultures around the world,” he said.
While in D.C., the teachers train on topics like cross-cultural communication and the foundations of the U.S. education system as part of the Teaching Excellence and Achivement (TEA) [15] Program. They gain inspiration from colleagues as they prepare for a rigorous academic program at four universities. The program includes coursework and training in teaching methodologies, curriculum development, and the use of technology for education. TEA Teachers also partner with a U.S. colleague at a secondary school to exchange cultural and professional experiences.
Carlos Andres of Colombia sees the potential for a deeper understanding between nations as a result of the program.
“[This experience] gives me tools to show to my citizens that the United States of America is more than we see in the news and to show them here that Colombia [16] is more than they see in the news too,” he said.
This Spring 2012 cohort will study at California State University (Chico), George Mason University, Montana State University, and Winthrop University.
The Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA) [15] is funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State [17] and implemented by IREX.