Name three reasons why it is important for teachers to work with teachers outside of their nation. Why might it be particularly important for US teachers?
I think it is really important for teachers to work with teachers outside of their nation because of the insight and additional perspective to education and culture from an area outside of one’s own nation. There is no “one right way” or secret formula to be a successful educator, so I believe attempting to obtain various ideas and perspectives can culminate enriching ideas. I am a firm believer in the power of experience versus perhaps only a textbook-based knowledge. While textbook-based knowledge is not automatically inauthentic, I think the best way to learn is through actually experiencing the culture, language, and interactions with people that one wants to learn about. It is important for teachers to do this for the sake of their students. Teachers in the US will inevitably have students that do not share the same cultural experience or history as them. Therefore, it is extremely important for teachers to gain as much knowledge and experience with teachers outside of their nation as they can in terms of culture experience, language experience, and overall educational experience that can resonate with students with that particular culture. Another reason that it is important for teachers to work with teachers outside of their nation is to collaborate on educational ideals and specific content areas. The best way we learn is from each other, and if teachers from different areas of the world collaborate, there can be a culmination of enriching educational ideas which can hopefully result in positive outcomes in schools around the world.
Name at least three challenges that teachers share globally.
1. One challenge that teachers share globally is inspiring motivation in their students. I think it can be difficult for students to have motivation in school when their passions or interests are not accounted for. Even when they are accounted for, motivation can still be lacking in students when under the restricting and/or oppressive structures of education. Even beyond that, students from all types of areas around the world face an unhealthy, hostile, or demanding life at home which can severely impact their motivation at school.
2. Another challenge that I think teachers share globally is teaching under the restricting demands of the various forms of required testing. Often, teachers will “teach to the test” because the test scores are what deem the success ratings.
3. The readings we’ve done for this course have definitely shown that resources for teachers and schools are limited. I think all teachers struggle with a lack of resources in their classrooms to some extent.
Name at least three goals that teachers share globally.
1. I think one goal teachers share globally is for their students to grow and learn from their experiences.
2. Another goal that I believe teachers share globally is for teachers and students to treat each other (and others) with respect.
3. Additionally, a goal that I think teachers share globally is to successfully prepare their students for a positive future.

• Rebecca Panitch

Name three reasons why it is important for teachers to work with teachers outside of their nation. Why might it be particularly important for US teachers?
1. The US population is diverse while US teachers are majorly white females. These experiences help to develop confidence and skills to communicate with people of different cultures. Many of the students from the Willard-Holt (2000) found that becoming the minority helped them to develop more empathy when dealing with cultural differences.
2. Many of the challenges and goals of teachers in the US is shared internationally. While no country has structured education perfectly, teachers have developed different methods of overcoming challenges or reaching goals. The field of education exists within a global community that can be used as a resource to improve the dynamic of a classroom.
3. Experiencing education abroad or just connecting with a international teacher forces the examination of personal beliefs. This helps to alleviate cultural stereotypes. These experiences also show a teacher the importance of preserving, accepting, and encouraging cultural and social differences.

Name at least three challenges that teachers share globally.
1. Adequate access to school supplies/resources
2. Teaching students with a range of abilities
3. Classroom management

Name at least three goals that teachers share globally.
1. To present a comprehensive lesson that is engaging to students
2. For students to better themselves academically and produce quality work
3. And for students feel comfortable and secure in the classroom

• Eleanor Wiley