You're the Inspiration-Chicago

One of the main goals of the TGC program is to create human connections between countries.  With both teachers and students learning together about each others' countries, education systems, languages, etc. the program hopes to create longer term connections that will ultimately benefit both the United States and Brazil.  While I'm not sure that my visit will necessarily have an impact at the global level, it will most certainly have a profound impact on my personal teaching and approach to things in my classroom.

I came to this program eager to learn, and my experience has far exceeded my expectations as I have learned so much from the amazing teachers and principals that I have met in Piauí.  I am sure that many people assume Brazil's schools have a lot to learn from the United States. I am writing today to tell you that my experiences and discussions this past Monday have assured me that the U.S. school system can learn a lot from Brazil.  Here are a few of the lessons:

1. Be passionate. Everywhere we go, we are greeted with enthusiasm on the part of teachers and students.  Everyone is eager to meet us and hear about where we come from, as well as share part of their culture and approaches to education.  Monday we visited Raldir Cavalcante Bastos school and were welcomed with red, white and blue bunting and all of the students were waving American flags they had colored in preparation for our arrival.

An excited welcome!

2. Be curious.  Having visited a number of schools, we are prepared for some general questions about the United States-What is it like?  What kind of foods do we like?  What music is popular? How does the weather compare? Etc. However, we are never able to answer everyone's questions before we leave because Brazilians are so curious.  Even if just to ask a name, they are friendly and excited to ask a question, practice some English, take a picture.  I have hosted a number of international teachers in my classes and my students are always so reserved and reluctant to ask questions.  I admire the Brazilians unabashed curiosity.  Last night at Alex's school, Centro Cultural de Língua, we met with a level two English class, meaning it was the second semester of their first year studying English.  They asked us profound questions about American's thoughts about Brazil, how they feel about politics, the government following citizens' social media activities, immigration, and more.  I was so impressed with the questions they asked, and that they asked them in English.

Thoughtful discussion with Mario's level 2 English students.

The principal preparing our homemade snacks

3. Have high expectations.  Monday while visiting Raldir Cavalcante Bastos school, we met their principal. What an amazing man!  He has been the principal (which requires getting elected in Brazil; more about that in a different post) for nine years.  During his tenure the school has raised their test score average from 2.8 out of 10 to 6.9 out of ten, an astounding improvement.  In 2009 and 2011 the school scored the highest in the state/nation on the standardized tests.  Tami and I asked him what characteristics make a good leader and what has allowed him to be so successful and he had several pieces of wisdom to share.  He said that they don't do anything special at their school, they just work really hard.  It is important for a leader to model the expectations they hope to inspire in those they work with.  He also said that he tries to lead by example by attending school events, letting students know that he supports what they are doing and what they are learning, and that he always expects excellence.  He says it is never me or I, but always "we."  The principal requires that all teachers and administrators at his school submit a portfolio each year demonstrating what they do in their classes, how they know their students are learning, how they evaluate students work, and other important features of their teaching.  The teachers and administrators at the school say he is strict, but it is motivational and inspiring because they know he supports them in their efforts.

Teacher portfolio

More portfolios

4. Be optimistic and know where you are going.  There is a popular saying at the global level that Brazil is the country of tomorrow, and always will be.  However, for the past few years in Brazil, the mood seems to be changing.  Brazilians are optimistic about their future and feel like good things are happening.  The motto of Raldir Cavalcante Bastos school is "believe" and you can tell students and teachers alike are optimistic about their future.  However, it is not just in this school that a positive feeling prevails, you can feel the undercurrent of optimism when talking to students, teachers, and administrators in many schools throughout Brazil.  One of the coordinators (equivalent to an assistant principal or department chair) told us, they just keep moving forward.  Regardless of government policies or obstacles that come up, they just keep moving forward.  This is such a refreshing change from the American propensity to complain.

5. Continue learning.  One of the things that most impresses me about our host teacher, Alex, is his effort to constantly learn more.  He and Tami are always talking about some piece of English literature they have read or an interpretation of a play or poem.  But he is also reading pedagogic materials, constantly working to become a better teacher and better principal (not that he really needs to improve; it is clear that his students and colleagues have a great deal of respect for him.)  He has been the principal since February and has exciting ideas about where he wants to take the school in the future.  It is important to him that he not only teach English, but also teach students how to reflect on their own learning so he can use that feedback to improve the school for all students.

In front of Alex's school

Analyzing

6. Be intellectual.  This idea goes along with #2 and #5, youmust be curious, and continue to learn, but you must also insure that your ideas are sound and based upon good research.  I always tell my students that I am a government nerd, but I hope they understand I am implying it is good to be smart and thoughtful.  Alex is impressive in the thought he takes toward improving his school and the research he has done to ensure his ideas are sound.

Art teacher

Art Projects

7. Be creative.  With their love of music and dance, Brazilians are certainly creative.  However, I was surprised by the amount of art incorporated into the school day at some of the schools.  At Raldir Cavalcante Bastos school, we were given a tour of the art room where students were preparing for the June Festival celebration at their school.  Additionally, because this school is full day, not just five hours like most schools in Brazil, they are able to incorporate some extra course offerings for students such as ballet, theater, art, dance, rhythmic gymnastics, chess, guitar, violin, flute, judo, and more.

Making flowers

8. Be open-minded.  One thing I have observed about Brazilian culture is that Brazilians are much more community minded and inclusive than Americans.  This is especially evident at the schools where you don't see cliques of students sticking together in certain areas, but full class interactions with a much wider range of contact.  In talking to teachers and administrators here, the attitude is never "well that won't work because..." but rather, "we have limited resources, but what can we do to make that happen."

9. Be global.  Before arriving in Teresina, the research I read about it implied that not many people visit this city.  As a result, I expected the community to be somewhat sheltered.  I could not have been more wrong.  It is as if the teachers take the complete opposite approach, purposely seeking out opportunities to broaden their horizons and reach out to people around the world.  At Alex's school, Centro Cultural de Língua, in addition to Alex participating in the ILEP (International Leaders in Education Program,) 9 of the 22 teachers have participated in some kind of teacher exchange or study abroad opportunity.  At Raldir Cavalcante Bastos, the principal participated in a principal exchange with two principals from the United States.  Another school, Integral private college, was cultivating a relationship with Devry University in the U.S. to help improve the career preparation and technological skills of their students.  Several students have participated in Youth Ambassador programs and we talked to a few students hoping to study abroad as part of the Science without Borders program.  People in Teresina are continually reaching out to expand their education globally.

These shirts are a perfect example of the outward thinking and partnerships sought by Brazilans

10. Have fun.  We all know that some students in the U.S. get overly stressed-about grades, college applications, financial aid, tests, social problems and more.  We need to remember that enjoying life is also important to our mental well-being, and as a result, our learning.  Keeping things in perspective is something that most Americans would benefit from thinking about more regularly.  While Brazilians may have been criticized for not taking things seriously enough, Americans certainly take things too seriously.  A healthy balance would be good for both of our countries.

Here is a link to an article about Monday's visit to the school.