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Teachers from Japan share experiences with Wisconsin students
Posted: 11/19/2009 11:05:59 AM
From the state Department of Instruction:
Eight educators from Japan are teaching about their country and sharing language, cultural, and historical lessons with Wisconsin students as part of the 13th year of the Japan-Wisconsin Education Connection.
This year’s delegation of teachers arrived in Wisconsin on Sept. 15 and will stay until Dec. 6. Following program orientation in Madison, guest teachers are spending four weeks in each of two host school districts, alternating between rural and urban and suburban communities. The first placement began Sept. 26, the second on Oct. 31. The teachers are living with host families, participating in community events, and engaging in teaching and learning activities within local schools.
“Understanding other languages and cultures is part of the education we want for all of our students,” said State Superintendent Tony Evers. “These visiting teachers are bringing their unique talents and experiences to Wisconsin classrooms and communities.”
In addition to classroom activities, the teachers will observe Wisconsin’s educational practices, experience local customs, and improve their language and intercultural skills. The exchange program is intended to give visiting teachers from Japan, their host families, and the host school administrators, staff, and students an opportunity to make personal connections with someone from another country.
“This shared experience goes beyond encountering new facts, customs, and beliefs,” Evers said. “It builds relationships, broadens perspectives, and fosters global citizenship. I want to commend the host school districts for bringing this valuable international education experience to their communities.”
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction collaborates with the Wisconsin Education Association Council’s Professional Development Academy to host the Japan-Wisconsin Education Connection. Wisconsin schools have hosted 169 teachers through this program since 1997.
For a list of teachers and their host districts, click here.
For photos of a reception honoring the teachers, click here.
