Peer Teacher Professional Development Exchange
TEA 2013
February 1st – March 18, 2013
Description:
TEA fellows will meet in pairs with experienced American teachers to exchange teaching practices and
methods and converse about teaching English in foreign language and second language environments. In
addition to reflecting on individual techniques and best practices in English language instruction, the teachers
can also talk about various professional development opportunities. These sessions will also serve as an open
space where TEA Fellows can ask deeper questions about American life and culture and explore culture’s
relationship to language instruction.
Objectives:
As a result of these sessions, participants will be able to:
● build a deeper understanding of teaching practices through reflection and sharing with a peer teacher
and selected readings.
● increase their understanding of American culture and how culture influences language (and language
teaching).
Requirements:
Fellows are required to attend all peer sessions and come prepared to actively discuss important
conversational and cultural topics relevant to the profession of teaching. Active participation must be
conducted in individual and small group sessions.
If a fellow misses a session, it is not required for the American teacher to make up the time with them;
however, if the American teacher misses a session, it will be made up with the fellows. Contact information
must be exchanged at the beginning of the first session and it is the responsibility of the fellow and tutor to
communicate about being absent or tardy.
Readings:
Selections from Parker Palmer, The Courage to Teach and Stephen Brookfield, The Becoming a Critically
Reflective Teacher will be provided to the fellows.
Schedule:
See personalized schedule for exact times.
Evaluation:
● Attendance at the peer teacher exchange sessions will be recorded.
● The fellow may request specific feedback from the peer American teacher.
Session One – Monday, Feb 4, 2013 (Homewood Suites) 3:30-5:30
Introductions: Exchange contact information, discuss family, friends, and general life in your country
Suggested Topics:
What are some of the expectations or opinions you have of the United States and its people? What do you
want to accomplish during your training? Why did you apply for the TEA program? What has been your
professional experience, and what are your professional goals? What do you want to learn more about,
professionally speaking? What is the workplace like in your country? What is the education system like?
Session Two – Tuesday, Feb 12, 2013 (Homewood Suites) 7:00-9:00
Suggested Topics:
Who was/is your favorite teacher?
Why did you decide to become a teacher?
Do today’s teachers have these qualities?
Share about one of your favorite teaching moments, activities, or lesson? What made it special or memorable?
Which colleagues do you admire or respect and why?
Is stress common in your country/culture? How do you cope with stress?
How much does patience play a part in teaching?
Describe a situation where you had to be patient with a student.
What makes a workplace enjoyable?
+Key points from reading discussion
Session Three – Saturday, March 2, 2013 – 1:00 – 3:00 (Homewood)
Suggested Topics:
Where do you see yourself as a teacher in five years? Ten years? What are some of your long-term goals?
Is it more important to speak or listen? What are your students encouraged to do?
When Americans meet for the first time they ask, “What do you do for a living?” Do you think this is the most
important thing to know about a person?
Do you think it is important to have a break from work or school?
Which is more important, a job or family/relationships?
+Key points from reading discussion
Session Four – Monday, March 4, 2013 – 2:00 – 4:00 (Homewood)
Suggested Topics:
What is the most unusual culture you have ever visited? What makes it different?
Describe native people groups in your country. What do you know about Native Americans?
What one word do you think is the most important in any language?
Do you think it’s easy to communicate with your students? What are some reasons people don’t understand
each other?
If you were not a teacher and could have any job in the world, what would you choose to do?
Of all the places you have traveled, which place would you most like to visit again?
+Key points from reading discussion
Session Five – Monday, March 11, 2013 – 3:30 – 5:30 (Homewood)
Suggested Topics:
Are there naturally born teachers or are teaching skills developed?
What is the meaning of freedom? What are some different kinds of freedoms?
What has been your biggest success and your most difficult challenge throughout your teaching career?
What cultural difference has been the most difficult to adjust to?
Did you experience culture shock?
Has your time here been a positive or negative experience?
How have your opinions of the United States and Americans changed?
How will your professional or personal life change as a result of the training?
+Key points from reading discussion