Dateline, New York: Teacher Training Institute
Well, I didn’t post as much last week as I normally do, and that’s because I went to New York to talk to the Foreign Policy Association’s Teacher Training Institute about Central Asia. What a great group of teachers! We are used to thinking that politics is something that happens on the world stage, but anyone who has stood up in front of a class knows quite a bit about group behavior, yes?
Anyway, in two day’s time these teachers from around the nation presented, listened to presentations, and then formed lesson plans in international affairs using all eight Great Decisions materials and topics–from one minute to the next.
I was thrilled by the interest in Central Asia in particular and international relations in general. Primary school educators in art and social studies devised plans that brought cultural art and artifacts to younger students and contrasted the life of children across the world. Middle and high-school teachers planned lessons that would have students confront not just Central Asian culture but their own. Issues of prejudice, gender relations, security and energy, human rights, rule of law, and other issues were tackled head-on in lesson plans devised on the spot.
We can look forward to future leaders coming from the work of these leading teachers–and, a far more sophisticated diplomacy-literate audience graduating from their classrooms. And for me, to be around such a committed group was inspiring.
July 5th, 2007 at 6:34 am
I think I can speak for all the teachers present when I say that Bonnie Boyd’s presentation on Central Asia was informative, entusiastic and, above all, very entertaining. I have been to an FPA teacher seminar before, as well conferences and travel programs throughout the country and world and I agree that the group of teachers assembled in NYC last week was remarkable. I came away energized and already looking forward to using some of their ideas in the fall. Great program all around. Philadelphia, Pa. July 5,2007
July 5th, 2007 at 6:34 am
I think I can speak for all the teachers present when I say that Bonnie Boyd’s presentation on Central Asia was informative, entusiastic and, above all, very entertaining. I have been to an FPA teacher seminar before, as well conferences and travel programs throughout the country and world and I agree that the group of teachers assembled in NYC last week was remarkable. I came away energized and already looking forward to using some of their ideas in the fall. Great program all around. Philadelphia, Pa. July 5,2007
July 5th, 2007 at 9:31 am
Dear Joe,
Thank you for the kind words! It was very energizing to mingle with your group. Another thing that I pulled away from the meeting was something important about the commitment that the FPA has to fostering the understanding of public policy and how they accomplish this task.
I will have a teacher page up soon–perhaps you and others can let me know what needs to be added for the use of future classrooms.
Sincerely,
Bonnie