Study Trip of the Swiss Conference of Rectors of Universities of Teacher Education
Study Trip of the Swiss Conference of Rectors of Universities of Teacher Education
The Consulate of Switzerland/swissnex Boston organized a week-long study trip for a group from the Swiss Conference of Rectors of University of Teacher Education from September 1 – October 5, 2007.
Massachusetts “is not a common place when it comes to education” as Dean Anna Bradfield from Bridgewater College explained in an overview to teacher education in the U.S. Various visits in the Boston area introduced the group to the many innovative approaches to teacher education and confirmed Professor Bradfield’s initial statement.
Educational research groups and programs such as MIT’s Teacher Education Program, Harvard’s Project Zero and TERC addressed issues of common concern in both the US and Switzerland: improving mathematics, science, and technology teaching and learning.
The exceptionally warm welcome at Simmons and Lesley College provided an incredible insight into the schools’ profiles. In depth discussions with their deans, president, provost, chairs, program directors and staff at both schools revealed how they handle the strict mandates and national requirements and how they target current issues such as: shortage of teachers (in math, science, special education and English as a Second language), the high drop out rate of teachers, preparation of teacher for diverse populations (ELL, special needs, urban context), as well as influences of standardization and testing.
The visit with Marilyn Cochran-Smith at Boston College’s Lynch School of Education was voted as the most inspiring. Professor Cochran-Smith gave the Swiss group an insight into the elaborate study on teacher education, conducted by the AERA Panel on Research and Teacher Education, that evaluated and analyzed the weight of the evidence related to policy and practice in teacher education.
A special and equally amazing visit at the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School exemplified the earlier discussions. The only public high school in Cambridge, CRLS undertakes every possible effort to put “Opportunity, Diversity and Respect” into practice throughout the many, impressive programs the school offers.
Enjoying the beautiful late summer weather, the group toured the Decordova Museum and its sculpture garden, transcended at the Walden Pond, and deepened their newly won networks at a reception at the residence of the Consul.
