The University of Nevada, Reno College of Education and the Northern Nevada International Center have partnered to host 20 teaching fellows from at least 11 different countries, Sept. 23 through Nov. 7. The six-week stay is part of a professional development program supported by a grant awarded, for the first time, to the college by the Teaching Excellence Achievement (TEA Global) program.

The teaching fellows will attend workshops in the College of Education and shadow mathematics and English teachers from kindergarten through grade 12 within the Washoe County School District. The international fellows will be welcomed to the community by University Provost Heather Hardy at 4 p.m., Sept. 27 on the fourth floor of the Joe Crowley Student Union.

“It is an honor to welcome experienced teachers from throughout the world to the University and to the College of Education,” said Christine Cheney, dean of the college. “The College of Education has a lot to offer these visitors, and they have a lot to offer us as well. I am pleased that the University and the College of Education were selected as a site for this exchange.”

TEA Global, a program of the International Research and Exchanges Board and the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, brings secondary school teachers from around the globe to the United States. Countries that will be represented at the University include Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Egypt, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Kyrgyzstan, Panama, Peru, Russia and the Ukraine.

“This is an incredible honor for the University and our community because it’s really a win-win for everyone,” said Jennifer Mahon, project director and associate professor in the College of Education. “They will learn more about U.S. schools and teaching practices, but they will also be giving back by volunteering in the community, teaching and sharing information about their own cultures and approaches to education.”

The program allows the international teachers to learn different teaching approaches, use technology in the classroom and better understand the education system in the United States.

“There is no doubt that global knowledge and skills are absolute core competencies for anyone to succeed in the world today,” Mahon said. “The program provides opportunities for our faculty and students to talk with teachers from a variety of countries about issues in education that cross international borders. This is also a wonderful opportunity to increase knowledge and understanding, not only about different cultures, but about different educational approaches that can benefit us all.”

For more information, contact Mahon at jmahon@unr.edu or Carina Black at the Northern Nevada International Center at cblack@nnic.org.