Portledge School in Locust Valley on Tuesday, May 14, hosted a group of 24 Chinese teachers and administrators who are studying and learning about American education in conjunction with the Center for International Teacher Training at the College of Mount St. Vincent in New York City.
The finest and most dedicated teachers in China are selected by the Educational Bureau of Shenzhen to participate in this eight week program, funded by the government of the Peoples Republic of China.
During their two month stay, the participants take graduate level classes in education focusing on English instruction as well as Educational Issues and Teaching Pedagogy.
Two days a week, they venture out on “learning walk” visits to schools throughout the five boroughs and beyond or attend cultural activities, including visits to the United Nations, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Queens Science Center, The Cloisters, and Storm King Art Center.
For the last two weeks of their trip, they will embark on community service projects, including Head Start and the Smile Bus.
Portledge School is one of the few schools selected and the only independent school on Long Island to host the international visitors.
While at the school, the group toured the three divisions (lower, middle and upper), and went into the classes and spoke with students.
The visitors were impressed by the wide variety of teaching methods used and the courses offered. Portledge is an independent pre-nursery to 12th grade day school.
Global citizenship is a major element of the school’s mission, and the visit of the Chinese teachers was meaningful for students and adults.
The College of Mount Saint Vincent has long been a provider of professional training and educational credentialing for its graduates entering the teaching profession.
During the past year, some 50 teachers, headmasters and educational researchers from Shenzhen City, China have participated in this Teacher Training Program.
