A group of international teachers holding up their native flags

Social-Impact

Bridging Borders: Collaborating with International Educators for Global Exchange

UNC is one of seven institutions in the country that has the opportunity to teach, learn and grow with international peers

October 8, 2024 | by student-writer Greg Egbert

All joyfully holding up their native flags, the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) is the proud host of 22 exchange teachers from across the globe as a part of the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA).

“The TEA program, Teaching Excellence and Achievement is now under the Fulbright umbrella, offering opportunities for professional development for teachers from all over the world,” said Jane Borisova, interim executive director of UNC’s Office of Global Engagement.

The Fulbright teachers from 21 different countries, including South and Central America, Europe and Asia arrived at UNC’s campus on Sept. 11 and are attending a blend of lectures and workshops provided by UNC faculty while also actively participating in the field experience portion of their program, graciously organized by the local Greeley-Evans School District 6 schools before departing on Oct. 28.

“UNC is one of seven institutions in the entire country that was awarded this grant and has been for over 11 years now. It's a very competitive process for host institutions and of course, participants who apply to Fulbright and have to compete with other highly qualified applicants: on average 250 of them per seat.” Borisova said.

“It’s a nice way for the international teachers to see how higher education is taught in the U.S.,” added Erika Saunders, director of Education Abroad and International Partnerships.

Saunders and Borisova joined forces as the co-directors of the TEA program at UNC after previous director Madeline Milian, Ed.D., retired. Milian has been overseeing the program since 2008 and will continue to assist with the program this year, ensuring a smooth transition and continued success.

During the exchange, the international teachers will learn general pedagogy from Anne Davidson, Ph.D., social studies from Kelly Langley Cook, M.A., educational technology from Matt Farber, Ed.D., and English as a foreign language from Kimberly Bressan, M.Ed.

A group of international teachers posing outside

Some of the TEA program participants.

Some international students listening in a classroom

Some of the TEA program participants learning inside the classroom.

Two international teachers holding up their hands in the classroom

Some of the TEA program participants learning inside the classroom.

Kelley Langley Cook teaching to interntaional students

UNC's Director of Teacher Education, Kelly Langley Cook, M.A. teaching some of the TEA program participants.

Davidson, assistant professor of Teacher Education, spoke about her time in the cohort and how important pedagogy is to the core mission of the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX). Davidson said the Fulbright teachers focus on the principles of pedagogy itself and analyzing their personal teaching philosophy, in which they examine their own teaching and relate it to a philosophical understanding of learning.

“I’m learning as much about them and their systems as they are learning from me,” said Davidson.

Farber, an associate professor at UNC, has been teaching the cohort about technology commonly used in the classrooms and how to utilize it.

“Each of the teachers has a different level of skill, some are familiar with Google Docs and Slides already,” said Farber. “These are already seasoned and elite teachers that have been accepted into the program.”

He has greatly enjoyed his time spent mentoring the Fulbright teachers, even helping them design and play Kahoot learning games in the classroom.

Not only is this a chance for the Fulbright teachers to learn about the university, but it is also a chance for the university to broaden perspectives with other cultures.

“That’s where the exchange of ideas and practices comes into play,” Borisova said.

“I’ve done some traveling in Central Asia this past year, and being able to visit a place and then chat with students from there is very interesting,” Farber added.

A group of international teachers posing at Rocky Mountain National Park

During their stay, these Fulbright teachers are also given the opportunity to learn beyond the walls of the classroom.

“On the weekends, we take them to cultural activates around the state to share U.S. culture and the state of Colorado,” Saunders said. “We have been to the Rocky Mountain National Park, we have a visit to Denver to see the Capitol Building, seeing Boulder as well.”

The teachers are spending their time living on-campus with other UNC students in Lawrenson Hall and eating at Holmes Dining Hall, even celebrating Homecoming Week with students and staff.

This shared appreciation of culture has brought the group of teachers together as professionals and has created strong bonds.

A group of international teachers posing in front of a bear statue

“We have 11 cohorts that are still friends, that talk about UNC, they wear our gear, they take pictures all over the world with bears, it’s an incredible opportunity for the institution to spread the word that we are here,” said Borisova. “You don’t have to be Harvard or Yale to be a great university and provide essential services.”