DC Highlights

First of all, the IREX staff is wonderful and very professional.  I returned to my freshmen doing research on "what job they want when they grow up" and I tell them about the IREX staff and how they are so involved with international travel and global discussions. This is probably something most of them have never considered as a profession. I hope it sparks them to look beyond the boundaries of their Cherokee county world to see what is out there waiting. So definitely the staff was a highlight.

Meeting with other language arts/social studies teachers to look at student work from a global perspective was reinforcing to me. I try so hard to open my students up and this was not only a reminder to continue seeking opportunities for that, but also, I came away with great ideas. The TGC program coordinators made excellent choices for teacher participation. I am honored to be with this entire group of TGC fellows.

The Resource Fair exceeded my expectations as well. One of the best pieces of information I came away from the symposium with was learning that the Peace Corps has no age limit. I had written in my application essay that I always wanted to be involved in that kind of program and the TGC fellowship was a way to do that. Now I found out that when I finally retire, I can possibly join the Peace Corps or be supportive of it in some way.

Also at the Resource Fair, I was glad to get more information about programs such as the Fulbright program, not just for teachers but what is available for students.

Ahhhh! Developing an essential question..... This is how I teach, with an overarching, essential, guiding question, so it was a very natural process for me to think about my overarching question during my travels. And I see how vital it will be to base my visit on inquiry rather than random knowledge. This forces me to take control of what I get out of my trip. I will travel to Indonesia with the goal of learning about their views of their environment, how are natural resources used, protected, honored, enjoyed. In turn, this will be a link to what I teach next year.

The session on working effectively across cultures was a personal reminder to me to just go with the flow, not make mountains out of molehills.  I can do this!

Sitting round table with fellow Oklahoma teachers and administrators was strengthening. My vice principal, Garry Ferguson, was helpful, giving me an administrative point of view as we discussed incorporating global aspects into our school and district.  But also, the other teachers and administrators all joined in with ideas to lay a strong foundation for global education in Oklahoma.

Finally, the real highlight.....meeting a teacher from Indonesia and learning a little bit about what to expect when I travel to her country. Seeing how excited she was for us to be coming to her country made me realize that I will be in the midst of warm, happy people. I am so excited.  I can't wait to go.........