Guilford principal receives statewide award from VIF
Jake Henry at Newcomers School is Principal of the Year
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. Jake Henry, principal at the Newcomers School, has been honored by VIF International Education for striving to provide international education to students.
Principal of the Year:
Jake Henry, Newcomers School
Why: Principal Henry recognizes the value of providing a variety of educators for whom English was an acquired second language. He created a welcoming and secure environment for the ESL students and the nine VIF teachers at school. These VIF teachers offer students support and quality instruction, and they enable students to honor their heritage.
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 Guilford County Schools offers these skills to students is through hiring highly qualified international educators. These 133 VIF teachers are fostering curiosity and an understanding of the world and inspiring student achievement. One of these international teachers has been honored as an Outstanding Cultural Educators:
Pamela Arraras, a teacher from Argentina, teaching at Southeast Guilford Middle
“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