November 28th, 2013

Teacher fellows from 18 countries attended  University of Nevada in Reno in order to have an intensive, professional development. The International teachers spent  six weeks at the University and exploring Northern Nevada. Nevada College of Education in partnership with Northern Nevada International Center, hosted 22 teaching fellows from 18 different teachers as part of the Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA Global Program)  

Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of United States Department of State, and implemented by IREX

IREX is an International nonprofit organization providing thought leadership and innovative programs to promote positive lasting change globally. 

The program is an international effort to learn and share different teaching approaches, showcase the use of technology in the classroom and offer a better understanding of the education system in the United States. For many teachers, it was their first time in the United States. The opportunity to gain new knowledge in a classroom setting, and in the Washoe County School District middle and high schools, was an unforgettable experience.

During their stay, the teaching fellows attended workshops in the College of Education and had the opportunity to share with teachers in middle and high schools within the schools district.

All visiting fellows are highly experienced master teachers in their own countries who had to compete in a rigorous two-year application process for selection. Countries represented this year include Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Ghana, Haiti, Nepal, Peru, Poland, South Africa, Thailand and the Ukraine. 

The visiting fellows had the opportunity to learn about the American Culture, sharing with host families, participating in day trips, Nevada Day Parade in Carson City, visiting Tahoe lake and Pyramid Lake. Other places visited by fellow teachers were: The Candy Bar Festival, and a cultural presentation in Virginia City. Visitors also had the opportunity to participate in a Wolf Pack Football Game

"This has been a remarkable partnership opportunity," Jennifer Mahon, project director and associate professor in the College of Education, said. "This is a group of highly experienced teachers , with an average of 15 years of experience each. Not only have the TEA fellows learned about the U.S. and our educational system, but they also have greatly broadened our understanding of a wider variety of successful approaches to teaching and learning. They have also contributed to broadening student knowledge of different countries and cultures." 

"Part of being an educator today means preparing people to have the skills of a global citizen," Ken Coll, College of Education dean, said. "These are not just teachers, they are also parents, citizens, consumers, and community members who care about many of the same issues we do, and their perspectives have helped us bring real world experiences into our community and classrooms. With people from so many different nations here, we have had the opportunity to converse about global issues in a much deeper way that may benefit us all."