Visiting British teachers snag the perfect tea time

A group of seven British educators finished up their week observing elementary and middle schools APS with a “high tea” at the Center for Learning and Leadership, sharing notes from their trip before preparing their return to the United Kingdom. The teachers shared their experiences with APS administrators Joyce McCloud (Office of the Superintendent), Dr. Susan Dyer (Curriculum & Instruction) and Dr. Eric Rosser (Project GRAD) over tea and snacks.

“I believe that the exchange of ideas and best practices would enhance the educational environment of students both here in APS and students back in the United Kingdom,” Dyer said. “It’s really instructive having somebody externally let us know that we’re on the right track, and that what we do is important enough for them to come from England to sit down and talk to our principals and teachers and ask, ‘What are the best practices APS is using to support and improve academic performance of our students? We can take back these skills to the British Isles.'”

As had been mentioned in previous interviews on Monday and Wednesday at M. Agnes Jones Elementary, the British educators interviewed above (Megan Williams and team leader Sarah Moult) noted how similar the approaches were in the U.K. and the U.S., but they were excited to share some of the best practices they picked up on their visits. The educators spent a few days at Dunbar, Jones, Parkside and Smith Primary elementary schools and Coretta Scott King YWLA and Kennedy middle schools. The trip was arranged through APS Superintendent Dr. Beverly L. Hall‘s office through a collaboration with Teachers International Professional Development. Further assistance was provided by Chantel Mullen (Office of Student Placement) and Marquenta Sands (Safety and Security). The Office of Communications offered support as well, including complimentary tote bags. Dr. Dyer and McCloud provided the refreshments.