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April 7, 2008
Russian educators visiting Purdue in teaching exchange program
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Ten Russian teachers and school administrators are visiting Purdue University and area high schools through April 29 as part of an educational exchange program."Teachers to Teachers: Language, Technology, Math and Science Exchange" identifies and rewards Russian educators with concentrated professional development opportunities, short-term internships and workshops.
The Russian educators will observe best practices in teaching and work to establish partnerships with their American colleagues. The exchange gives Russian guests the opportunity to collaborate with their U.S. counterparts to develop new teaching methods and create or expand materials and curricula.
The exchange is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and the U.S. Department of State. The teachers and administrators arrived at Purdue on March 30.
"Teachers’ exchanges have become an important component of international education and intercultural communication," said Anatoli Rapoport, assistant professor of social studies education and program administrator. "Teachers to Teachers is a two-way street with shared experiences and the exchange of best practices enriching curricula in both American and Russian schools."
Rapoport said Purdue also hopes to see new partnerships develop between schools in both countries as a result of the program.
The American Councils for International Education: American Councils of Teachers of Russian/American Councils for the Collaboration of Education and Language Study administers the program.
While in Indiana, the teachers will visit historical landmarks in Tippecanoe County, as well as museums, theaters and schools in Indianapolis and Chicago. In addition to meeting with local community leaders, participants will visit the Indiana Department of Education.
Internships at McCutcheon, Harrison and Lafayette Jefferson high schools, Tecumseh Junior High, Wea Ridge Elementary and Central Catholic Jr.-Sr. High School will offer in-class experiences for the participants.
The teachers also will participate in a weekend home-stay with host families to allow them to experience American family life. At the end of the program, the teachers will participate in a two-day U.S.-Russia conference.
For more information, contact Anatoli Rapoport, program administrator, at (765) 496-3029 or e-mail rapoport@purdue.eduContact: Tanya Brown (765) 494-2079, tanyabrown@purdue.edu
Sources: Anatoli Rapoport, (765) 496-3029, rapoport@purdue.edu
Tonya Agnew, (765) 494-0568, tragnew@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
Note to Journalists: To receive a copy of the schedule of events for the "Teachers to Teachers" program, please contact Tanya Brown, Purdue News Service, at (765) 494-2079 or e-mail tanyabrown@purdue.edu
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