This summer, several AFS faculty members deepened their knowledge and understanding of subjects they teach. Now, they’re bringing the lessons back to the classroom. Here is a small sample of professional-development experiences that were assisted by grants from the School:
Middle School Social Studies Teacher Mark Smith traveled to two cities in China, Beijing and Xi’an, and returned with what he described as “a personal connection to and the beginnings of a personal understanding of a complex and rich culture.” He said he was excited to be able to “share a newly enlivened Ancient China unit with students this year.”
“The highlight of the trip for me,” he said, “was seeing the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xi’an. They embody what I love about ancient history. Incredible stories that make the child or adventurer in you want to believe every word while the scholar in you knows that you need to tread lightly. Standing on the Great Wall wasn’t too shabby, either.”
Rosanne Mistretta, Director of Experiential Learning, traveled to the Western Ghats region of India as part of an Earth Expedition sponsored by Miami University. “It was a magical experience,” she said, “combining conservation, spirituality, biodiversity and adventure. On our journey, we explored sacred groves and forest temples where wildlife, people, and deities all play an important role.
“We had the opportunity to work along side of the award-winning Applied Environmental Research Foundation, our partner and host in India. We visited small villages and spoke with local community leaders and temple priests, to better understand how AERF connects conservation practices into daily village life.
“I had the opportunity to eat on the floor of a villager’s home, with a banana leaf for a plate and no utensils! The area is staggeringly beautiful, and the villagers are connected deeply to the land. It was monsoon season, so we had no shortage of rain, but it just added to the lush beauty of the land.”
Closer to home, Fourth Grade Teacher Karolye Eldridge attended a Responsive Classroom Workshop in Kennett Square. There, she was immersed in an approach to teaching that emphasizes academic, social and emotional growth. She said she spent a week living and learning in the very environment the workshop leaders were teaching her and the other participants how to create.
During the hottest days of summer, Lower School Art Teacher Amanda Milz could be found taking in a cool breeze coming off a waterfall in the mountains of western Pennsylvania. Joining 10 other K-12 teachers from around the country, Amanda took part in the Teacher Residency at Fallingwater, the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright house that is perched atop a waterfall.
Teachers stayed in dorm-style accommodations adjacent to the house and had access to a fully stocked art studio. They also were given privileges to explore the house and grounds after regular visiting hours. The program, “Teaching Through Architecture,” offered participants a chance to explore Wright’s work, the relationship of the built environment to nature and how to teach students to experience and understand architecture.
(Photo credit SuperAnth – own work)
