Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, elementary school receive statewide awards from VIF
Area teachers also honored by nation’s largest cultural-exchange program
For release: March 12, 2008
Chapel Hill, N.C. – School administrators in North Carolina are leading the way in providing students 21st-century skills and international knowledge. A school in and the district of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools have been honored by VIF International Education for providing international education to students
School of the Year:
Collinswood Elementary, Maria Petrea, Principal
Why: The first Spanish dual-language program in the state of North Carolina, Collinswood is a model for developing dual-language programs in the Southeast.
School District of the Year:
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Why: CMS provides support for the international teachers, from the district office to principals. The district promotes and values international education.
The honors are 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.
One way that Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools offers these skills to students is through hiring highly qualified international educators. These 148 VIF teachers are fostering curiosity and an understanding of the world and inspiring student achievement. Three of these international teachers have been honored as Outstanding Cultural Educators:
Romain Bertrand, a teacher from France, teaching at Alexander Graham Middle
Jacobo Luna, a teacher from Mexico, teaching at West Mecklenburg High
Yanhong Ye, a teacher from China, teaching at Smith Academy
“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,” said David B. Young, president of VIF International Education.
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.
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