Award-winning international educators build 21st-century skills
VIF recognizes 31 international teachers for classroom excellence
For release: February 18, 2008
Chapel Hill, N.C. – International educators teaching in the United States are some of the best teachers in the world, and they are providing high-quality education and helping U.S. students gain 21st-century skills, such as developing international knowledge and exposure to diverse perspectives.
Thirty-one international educators have received awards for their outstanding contributions and leadership in fostering curiosity and an understanding of the world, and, at the same time, inspiring student achievement.
This honor is from VIF International Education (VIF), the largest international-exchange program sponsoring teachers from around the world to teach in U.S. schools for up to three years before returning home. With comprehensive support services to help ensure a rewarding experience, VIF is sponsoring over 1,600 teachers from almost 60 nations in nearly 1,000 schools.
“With more and more schools becoming internationally-minded, VIF teachers are being sought out and are regarded as among the best educators from around the world,” said David B. Young, president of VIF International Education. “The new perspectives and techniques that teachers from different countries bring to their U.S. schools help expand instruction to encompass broader and more diverse points of view that help prepare our students for an increasingly interconnected world.”
With growing diversity in schools and communities from different parts of the world, entering the workforce will require international knowledge and skills and an understanding of cultures.
According to a survey by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills released in late 2007, 99% of respondents believe that the future economic success of the United States is tied to students’ learning 21st-century skills, such as communication and collaboration with other cultures.
Students must be taught in new ways and be exposed to more international experiences. VIF teachers broaden student’s thinking as they are adept at integrating international and cultural material into their lessons.
> Learn how VIF teachers increase international awareness.
These 31 award-winning teachers helping provide students with 21st-century skills hail from countries as diverse as the United Kingdom, South Africa, China, Mexico, Slovakia, Colombia, Australia, Ecuador, Venezuela, France, Costa Rica, Romania, Ireland, the Philippines, Spain and Argentina. They teach all levels of K-12 education and a variety of subjects, including special education, elementary, foreign language, art, math, English as a second language and science.
About VIF International Education:
VIF International Education is the largest international-exchange program linking U.S. schools and teachers worldwide. VIF International Education selects, sponsors and supports highly qualified international educators who work as full-time teachers in U.S. schools for up to three years, serving as cultural ambassadors and providing students an international education for success in the global economy. VIF teachers return home from the professional-development experience to contribute to education in their nations and serve as goodwill ambassadors for the United States. Learn more: www.vifprogram.com.
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Contact: Communications
(919) 967-5144
communications@vifprogram.com