2017
The pilot project
With the creation of its pilot version, the project began offering training courses, as well as promoting opportunities for coaching and collaborative teaching. With the support of the Municipal Secretariat of Education, extension projects were offered in the areas of teaching English and Portuguese as an additional language (PLA).
As an international action, Teachers Across Borders promoted Kristin Bourdage’s second trip to UFPR, as well as the exchange of teachers and undergraduates in English to participate in the Otterbein summer training courses. The knowledge acquired during this experience would later come to foster two trainings targeted at the public of English teachers in Brazil.
Otterbein Summer Program
Otterbein’s 2017 summer program encompassed three main trainings: literacy for varied readers, inquiry-based reading, and technology-assisted writing. Classes began on June 14 and concluded on July 17.
The visit to Learning Spectrum
The trip to Ohio also provided a unique opportunity for the exchange students to visit Learning Spectrum, a school specializing in the education and guidance of children diagnosed with autism. In addition to educational responsibility, this school provides family assistance, as well as occupational therapy, speech therapy, behavioral analysis, and group support.
Cultural Visits
Community Refugee and Immigration Service
National Museum of the Air Force
Cleveland
Community Refugee and Immigration Service is an independent, non-profit organization that assists refugees and immigrants in Ohio. Assistance is provided from the moment the immigrant arrives at the airport, providing housing, culturally appropriate food, English classes, and access to the job market. The organization operates under contract with the State Department to provide support to the community.
The National Museum of U.S Air Force (USAF) is the oldest and largest air force museum. It is the official air force museum of the United States and is located near Dayton. Its collection contains more than 360 aircraft, as well as historical facts since the first airplane invented by the Wright Brothers. It is currently one of the most visited tourist spots in Ohio.
The city of Cleveland is located on the banks of the Erie River in northern Ohio. During their visit to the city, the exchange students had the opportunity to see the city’s major tourist attractions, such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and its museum.
Anti Saloon League Museum
Musical Events
Typical Foods Dinner
The “Anti-saloon” association was a political movement, occurring between 1893 and 1933, that aimed to combat alcohol consumption. Historical documents from this impactful historical event are available at the Westerville Public Library.
The state of Ohio sponsors some musical events during the summer, such as “Jazz at the Amp” – featuring local and national Jazz musicians; the “Sounds of Summer Concert Series” – featuring artists from various genres of music; and the “Westerville Music & Arts Festival” – which, in addition to concerts, includes craft and food fairs.
Teacher and colleague Bethany organized a traditional American barbecue for the exchange students. The event allowed participants to interact and share their experiences in a relaxed way.