2008 INBOUND PROGRAMS

the international leaders in education program

Program Overview
The International Leaders in Education Program (ILEP) seeks to contribute to improving the quality of secondary education in participating countries, strengthen the ability of women and under-served populations to play a part in their national development, and develop professional and personal relationships between American and international teachers. The program provides 52 teachers from the Near East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia with unique opportunities to develop expertise in their subject areas, enhance their teaching skills and increase their knowledge about the United States. The program consists of a semester-long academic program at a U.S. university, including coursework and intensive training in teaching methodologies, lesson planning, teaching strategies for their home environment, and teacher leadership, as well as the use of computers for Internet, word processing and as tools for teaching. The semester-long program also includes an internship at a secondary school to engage participants actively with American teachers and students. Trips to U.S. cultural sites and academic support are provided for participants throughout the program.

the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State and the International Research & Exchanges Board
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U. S. Department of State sponsors and oversees the program. The U.S. Embassies and Fulbright Commissions in the participating countries (Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, and Tunisia) recruit participants and conduct pre-departure orientations. The International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) implements all aspects of the U.S. portion of the program and the follow-on collaborative grants component.

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY, CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI
In 2006, Southeast Missouri State University was one of four campuses in the U.S. to be selected to host this program. The program, now in it second year at Southeast, has increased the number of fellows it serves, up from 14 the first year to 16 this year. Southeast collaborates with the Cape Girardeau, Jackson, and Sikeston public schools to carry out the internship portion of the program.

OVERVIEW OF THE 2008 ILEP FELLOWS
Fifty-two fellows have been selected to participate in this program. The fellows range in age from their late 20s to 40s. All are experienced high school teachers. Most are married with children. They are evenly divided between men and women. All but a handful of fellows teach at public schools in their countries and most live outside their capital cities.

The sixteen fellows at Southeast Missouri State University for 2008 are mostly science teachers (9). The others are math (2), and English (5) teachers. A few hold only a bachelor’s degree, but most have advanced degrees in science, English, and education. Among the group of fellows is a science teacher who teaches deaf students, several who organize science expos and fairs, and advisors to logic, outward bound, and nature clubs at school. Still others are involved in environmental activities, e.g., Tiger Link, youth festivals, and folkloric cultural activities in the community and abroad. At the district, country, and international-levels, they are involved in professional science, math, and English activities. Among the fellows are also volunteer tutors at the local temple and orphanages, as well as karate instructors at a local sports club.

While in the U.S., the Southeast Missouri State University fellows will have the opportunity to travel to St. Louis and Memphis to visit schools and other cultural sites, and also attend two professional conferences on middle school and multicultural education.

SEE ALSO THE PROGRAM WEBSITE
http://cstl-coe.semo.edu/benton/TFweb/index4.htm

STRANMILLIS EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Two students from Stranmillis University College, Belfast, Northern Ireland spent the spring 08 semester on SEMO campus. Rachel Armstrong and Amy Anderson were enrolled in Block II Elementary Education classes, and did their field experiences in Jackson elementary schools - Immaculate Conception School and South Elementary. Both Amy and Rachel are elementary physical education majors.

2008 OUTBOUND PROGRAMS

SPRING 2008

STRANMILLIS EXCHANGE PROGRAM, Queens University
Matthew Roethemeyer (Secondary PE) and Brittany Ziegler (Elementary Special Education) completed their second 8 weeks of student teaching in Belfast, Northern Ireland. They stayed on the campus of Stranmillis University College and taught in schools (Wellington College and Harborton) in Belfast. Said Roethemeyer about his experience, "It has reassured me that I have made the right decision in what I want to do because I love it. I enjoyed working with children and helping them develop their minds and bodies, and seeing them achieve things that they thought they could not do."

UNIVERSITY OF LEON EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Andrea Soemo (Secondary Spanish) completed her second 8 weeks of student teaching in Leon, Spain. She stayed on the campus of the University of Leon and taught in a school in Leon.

FALL 2008

STRANMILLIS EXCHANGE PROGRAM, Queens University
Lindsey Taylor (Secondary Business) and Trista Kurfman (Early Childhood) completed their second 8 weeks of student teaching in Belfast, Northern Ireland. They stayed on the campus of Stranmillis University College and taught in local schools (Wellington College and Greenwood Primary School) in Belfast.

RENAISSANCE PROGRAM
Completing their second eight weeks of student teaching were Brenna Schlader (Secondary Art) in Rome, Italy and Shannon Helm (Secondary Family and Consumer Science) in Melbourne, Australia.