Faculty Exchange from the International School of Azerbaijan

Faculty Exchange from the International School of Azerbaijan
Apr 6, 2009, 04:41

From March 4 to March 7, IC Preschools enjoyed hosting two exchange teachers, Ghayani Newns and Rosemarie Andrews from The International School of Azerbaijan (TISA). The visiting teachers spent their time observing at the Preschools on both campuses, Ras Beirut and Ain Aar. The ladies visited classes, explored the facilities on both campuses and had the opportunity to “talk shop’ with their IC colleagues. Interesting conversations began as they compared their school to IC and exchanged information and ideas with teachers. Comments by Gayani and Rosemarie about some outstanding things seen in the classes they observed included:
• They were impressed by the end of unit presentations given by the students and supported by their teachers. The presentations showed the students’ work and progress in the various disciplines within a unit of inquiry.
• They were fascinated by the art display in the hallways and in the Art room revealing real knowledge and learning about art and the artists under study.
• They were able to see the integration of music in the unit of inquiry with the use of voice, body and different percussions to create a show.
• They found some bright ideas that are used by IC teachers in their classes that they would take back to their school in Azerbaijan and use. Examples mentioned by Ghayani and Rosemarie included the morning message, portfolio and its content, and other activities displayed on bulletin boards, etc…
The visiting teachers commented about the students and their sense of cooperation. They felt that students were motivated to work and fully engaged in their activities.

True to tradition, the teachers’ visit wasn’t all work. They were taken out at night to Gemayzeh to see the night life and action in Beirut and the ABC mall in Achrafieh. Ghayani and Rosemarie were also invited to the Teachers’ Day dinner at the Bristol on Friday night where they danced and mingled with other teachers from both campuses. On Saturday the Ain Aar Preschool teachers took our visiting teachers to Jbeil where they explored the castle and did some shopping in the old souk. All in all, it was a great visit from two great teachers who are now our friends.

Visiting with Dr. Ghusayni, Ghada Maalouf and Joelle Abdel Ahad at the ERC

Exploring the Ain Aar Preschool library

With Sana Kaedbey and Nora Hamzeh at the Teachers' Day Dinner