Cultural Submersion of Pre-Service Teachers Dr. Sherie Williams Grand Valley State University What we’re all about: • The making of culturally competent teachers; • by.
Download ReportTranscript Cultural Submersion of Pre-Service Teachers Dr. Sherie Williams Grand Valley State University What we’re all about: • The making of culturally competent teachers; • by.
Cultural Submersion of Pre-Service Teachers Dr. Sherie Williams Grand Valley State University What we’re all about: • The making of culturally competent teachers; • by providing experiences that take them outside their cultural comfort zone; • who are well-prepared for the context in which they will teach; • with an eye on how they will bring the experience home to change themselves, their students, and their profession. Ourense Spain • 6 weeks – faculty led • $4,000.00 + “regular” tuition • Housing – host families Spain • ½ day in schools • Continuation of courses online or acceleration • Classes taught in English or Spanish upon request The Creation of COST • University of Alabama (UA) – served as the beginning initiative for launching COST. • In the 1960s, UA had been placing teacher candidates in Monterrey, Mexico and Mexico City. • Other universities began to collaborate in 1972. CURRENT INITIATIVES What initiatives are you currently using to promote “culturally competent” teachers? CONSORTIUM • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Kent State University University of Alabama University of Kentucky University of West Florida University of Wisconsin Northern Kentucky University Middle Tennessee University Ohio University University of Georgia Thomas Moore College Ashland University Auburn University Berry College Eastern Illinois University Grand Valley State University Chartered in 2004 Sent over 70 students to date South Africa, Germany, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, England, Bahamas, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Mexico, India, Netherlands Receiving Sites • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Sites within the following countries: Australia Bahamas China Costa Rica Ecuador Germany Greece India Ireland Japan Mexico Netherlands New Zealand South Africa Spain STUDENT REQUIREMENTS • GPA 3.0 • Admission into the College of Education • Successful completion of 6-8 weeks of student teaching stateside • Health insurance • Registration as a study abroad student • Pre-departure “training” Passport FBI clearance Applicable visa $1,050.00 in fees Transportation / room and board Completion of all semester requirements Sense of adventure Conclusions • Language and cultural differences present challenges to students when teaching abroad • Teaching abroad impacts future teacher’s cultural awareness/competency and classroom practices • Teaching abroad enhances employment opportunities • Teaching/studying abroad is positively seen as a valuable experience QUESTIONS Dr. Sherie Williams Grand Valley State University [email protected]