HCPSS To Welcome Korean Science Teacher Delegation

January 23rd, 2015

The Howard County Public School System will welcome a delegation of 40 South Korean science teachers who will visit elementary, middle, and high school classrooms to study best practices in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) instruction. This will be the fourth year a Korean delegation has studied the school system.

“South Korean science education is considered among the best in the world. A Korean delegation choosing to visit and research Howard County’s school system says a great deal about the strength of our program,” said Superintendent Renee A. Foose.

The Korean teachers selected to represent their school districts go through a rigorous application process and come from the elementary level, as well as secondary Earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics. Each visiting teacher is assigned to a host teacher and many visit multiple classrooms.

“Through this opportunity, HCPSS teachers and their Korean counterparts have established international ties that still exist,” said HCPSS Elementary Science Coordinator Amy Reese. “We have received strong positive feedback each year and look forward to continuing this program in the future.”

The delegation will begin their professional development at the Robinson Nature Center on Jan. 26. On Jan. 27, the delegation will learn how creative problem solving and current events create opportunities for unique learning experiences in Howard County classrooms. The visiting teachers will then see this in action as they visit schools on Jan. 28 and 29.

The delegation will conclude their visit on Jan. 30 at the Howard County Conservancy where Dr. Heidi Schweingruber, director of the Board on Science Education at the National Research Council, will discuss the goals, development, and implementation of the new science standards.

Teachers will use this new knowledge to reflect on their experiences and discuss how they can apply the insights they have gained to their personal practice. The cross-cultural exchange is made possible by the support of community partners including the Robinson Nature Center, the Miller Branch of the Howard County Library, and the Howard County Conservancy.