Clemson hosts International Leaders in Education Program

Published: March 4, 2010

By Hope Snipes

CLEMSON — For the second year Clemson University’s Eugene T. Moore School of Education has been awarded a grant of more than $160,000 to be one of five universities hosting teachers from around the globe.

As a participant in the International Leaders in Education Program Clemson is hosting 16 teachers from nine countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Morocco, the Philippines, Senegal and South Africa. These teachers will return to their home countries and act as teacher-leaders to others in their schools and countries.

The teachers will be in Clemson through May. During their stay they will complete an on-campus academic program as well as internships at R.C. Edwards Middle School, Seneca Middle School or Daniel High School, where they will work with partner teachers.

The teachers are taking a variety of master’s-level courses, including science labs, language courses, educational leadership classes, human development classes and math technology.

They have been divided into groups and set group goals that they hope to attain during their stays, such as better understanding the role of instructional technology in integrating language skills in large classrooms, engaging students in service learning and understanding the role of assessment in instruction.

The teachers are learning about American education and being exposed to American culture. Several trips have been planned for the teachers to see Biltmore Estates in Asheville, and to go to Atlanta and Charleston. The teachers also are encouraged to attend Clemson sporting events and activities.

“This is a tremendous intercultural experience and each group has its own personality," said Bill Fisk, chairman of teacher education in the Eugene T. Moore School of Education. "This group seems to be really interested in the breadth of their experience. They really want to get the max out of every facet here.”

Fisk said the teachers hope to spend more time in American homes and interact with more people outside of the classroom. Those interested in hosting or interacting with the group should contact Margaret Warner at warner4@clemson.edu.

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