In less than a month we will be arriving in Puerto Plata - the kickoff to this teaching and learning abroad experience - and I find myself thinking about the amazing dedication, organization, and creativity that the students have brought to the meetings leading up to our departure.
We have met on campus 8 Monday nights during this fall semester. Gathering regularly ensured that our group came together as a true cohort—building on one another’s strengths as they stride toward a common goal.
I am sold on the approach of holding pre-travel meetings! Throughout the semester, these 13 energetic women have been planning activities, sorting out travel details, sharing research, learning new skills and techniques, cultivating friendships, and sharing meals. We have discussed nearly every aspect of getting to and thriving in the Dominican, interviewed student ambassadors who traveled to Chile and Zambia, finalized paperwork and travel decisions, and learned about undergraduate research opportunities. The students presented on their individual explorations of the life, politics, history, culture, and education in the DR, and read Julia Alvarez’s historical fiction, “In the Time of the Butterflies.” Currently they are working in small groups to develop lessons and build materials that they will present to students and teachers while abroad.
Half of our group has Montessori experience through their teacher candidate work at Bennett Park Montessori. All of them have been serious about learning as much as possible – before we arrive at 3 Mariposas Montessori – so they can contribute to the school, teachers, and children meaningfully and appropriately. The students purchased and reference "A Parents' Guide to the Montessori Classroom" (written by Aline Wolf) and have explored online for ideas and advice. Eileen Wilms Muermann of the Buffalo Montessori Teacher Education Program generously opened her space to our group and has spent many hours demonstrating techniques and teaching us about Montessori structure and tools.
The students have also harvested donations like crazy! Through their families, friends, churches, communities, organizations, and personal savings these ladies have collected suitcases full of materials (school art and writing materials, children's books, Montessori resources, soaps and vitamins, first aid and health supplies, clothing, kitchen goods, etc!) to donate to 3MM and underserved public schools and individuals near Cabarete.
As I hunt down and process the final invoices and paperwork, and revise the agenda one last time, it’s wonderful to reflect on the good fortune to be working with such a remarkable group of Buffalo State teacher education students!
We have met on campus 8 Monday nights during this fall semester. Gathering regularly ensured that our group came together as a true cohort—building on one another’s strengths as they stride toward a common goal.
I am sold on the approach of holding pre-travel meetings! Throughout the semester, these 13 energetic women have been planning activities, sorting out travel details, sharing research, learning new skills and techniques, cultivating friendships, and sharing meals. We have discussed nearly every aspect of getting to and thriving in the Dominican, interviewed student ambassadors who traveled to Chile and Zambia, finalized paperwork and travel decisions, and learned about undergraduate research opportunities. The students presented on their individual explorations of the life, politics, history, culture, and education in the DR, and read Julia Alvarez’s historical fiction, “In the Time of the Butterflies.” Currently they are working in small groups to develop lessons and build materials that they will present to students and teachers while abroad.
Half of our group has Montessori experience through their teacher candidate work at Bennett Park Montessori. All of them have been serious about learning as much as possible – before we arrive at 3 Mariposas Montessori – so they can contribute to the school, teachers, and children meaningfully and appropriately. The students purchased and reference "A Parents' Guide to the Montessori Classroom" (written by Aline Wolf) and have explored online for ideas and advice. Eileen Wilms Muermann of the Buffalo Montessori Teacher Education Program generously opened her space to our group and has spent many hours demonstrating techniques and teaching us about Montessori structure and tools.
The students have also harvested donations like crazy! Through their families, friends, churches, communities, organizations, and personal savings these ladies have collected suitcases full of materials (school art and writing materials, children's books, Montessori resources, soaps and vitamins, first aid and health supplies, clothing, kitchen goods, etc!) to donate to 3MM and underserved public schools and individuals near Cabarete.
As I hunt down and process the final invoices and paperwork, and revise the agenda one last time, it’s wonderful to reflect on the good fortune to be working with such a remarkable group of Buffalo State teacher education students!