Madeline Corderman

Have you ever wondered how classrooms, teaching methods, or educational systems vary across the world? Since 2016, the English Language Institute’s Teacher Training Programs has introduced pre-service teachers and in-service educators alike to the U.S. educational system through the yearly Education Majors Immersion program. This program seeks to provide practical experience and observation opportunities in classrooms while honing English language skills.

“For aspiring teachers, it is critical that they be exposed to a variety of teaching styles and methods,” said Cali Pettijohn, an academic specialist at the ELI, “The Integrated English Skills class aimed not only to polish their language skills, but also to expose them to a variety of teaching methodologies.” To see these methods in action, participants were invited to observe experienced teachers at Kickapoo High School and Greenwood Laboratory School, achieving 30 hours of practicum at the latter. Another workshop presented by CELTA trainers offered helpful teaching tips.

The three-week program included 30 hours of an Integrated English Skills for Educators workshop that provided engaging activities including discussions, role-plays, and written reflections. Students also had many co-curricular opportunities to practice during cultural immersion opportunities, such as in International Conversation Circles.

Program coordinator Eunice Nyagaka expressed her hope of something else that these teachers in training learned: “The most important thing participants should come away from this program with is the ability to learn from each other and take on the necessary”. During the final week of the program, an art walk was held in which visiting students and professors — hailing from Japan and Kazakhstan — shared informational posters, games, music, and snacks related to their respective cultures. Nyagaka continued, “My personal favorite part of the program is getting to learn more about their culture. Getting to know each of their talents, I’ve interacted with individuals skilled in knitting, sky diving, pediatric doctors, midwives, etc. I also enjoy the lasting friendships that begin as a result of this program.”

Moving forward, the Education Major Immersion program will take place twice a year, with one session in the spring and another in the fall. Keep an eye out for your chance to get into this program and other exciting opportunities to come!