Forsyth County Schools administrator receives statewide award from VIF Program
Area teachers also honored by nation’s largest cultural-exchange program

For release: March 17, 2008

Additional Resources

Printable Version (pdf) VIF Fact Sheet (pdf)

Chapel Hill, N.C. – School administrators and teachers in Georgia are leading the way in providing students 21st-century skills and international knowledge. A Forsyth County Schools principal has been honored by the Visiting International Faculty Program for striving to provide international education to students.

Principal of the Year:
Debbie Smith, Principal, Johns Creek Elementary

Why: When opening Johns Creek Elementary school, Principal Smith hired VIF teachers to promote an international perspective school-wide, right from the start. She enthusiastically participates in international exchange while promoting teacher success and student achievement.

The honors are from the Visiting International Faculty Program (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 Forsyth County Schools offers these skills to students is through hiring highly qualified international educators. These 11 VIF teachers are fostering curiosity and an understanding of the world and inspiring student achievement.

“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 the VIF Program.

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.

About the VIF Program:
The Visiting International Faculty Program is the largest international-exchange program linking U.S. schools and teachers worldwide. The VIF Program 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.