I spent a weekend in Washington, D.C. at the Fairmont Hotel with an incredible array of thoughtful teachers and thought provoking sessions. I left each session with great information to continue to build on my own global competencies. Friday night a group of us went to the Ethiopian restaurant Das and had a delicious meal and some great conversations about teaching, learning and engaging students. Then there was the last session with Deborah Hefferon, a cross-cultural communications expert. This session provided some necessary tools for navigating potential misunderstandings and misconceptions.
The details are slowly getting in order - lesson plans, packing, arrangements for the free time in Morocco, what to get our host teacher, what souvenirs for the students, checking the weather and the exchange rate to name a few - phew!
I also keep thinking about my essential question and am looking forward to more discussions with the other members of the cohort about their questions. I love Morocco and the last time I was there was for a wedding. Now it's about building relationships and understanding through an educational exchange and dialogue. Our cohort received some really good logistical information from Taoufik that answered a lot of the little questions. I'm beginning to feel much more ready.
I also keep thinking about my essential question and am looking forward to more discussions with the other members of the cohort about their questions. I love Morocco and the last time I was there was for a wedding. Now it's about building relationships and understanding through an educational exchange and dialogue. Our cohort received some really good logistical information from Taoufik that answered a lot of the little questions. I'm beginning to feel much more ready.