JANUARY 2017
River Edge Teacher is Fulbright Recipient
Mrs. Schnee at the North Korean Border
Mrs. Monica Schnee shares her experience, "South Korea: Adventures of a Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Recipient."
This past fall, I had the extraordinary opportunity to visit South Korea as the recipient of the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching. The program selects a small number of U.S primary and secondary teachers to pursue individual projects, conduct research, lead master classes and take courses for professional development. My Fulbright experience involved researching education and English education in South Korea, taking a university course on Korean history and culture and leading seminars and presentations at schools, universities and the government office of education.
Teaching English as a second language to students from different countries such as India, Japan, China, Latin America, Russia, Poland and Korea has provided me with the opportunity to learn about different languages and cultures. My longstanding relationship with Korean families in River Edge motivated me to want to gain first-hand insight into their language and culture. Although my research was on Korean education, many of the findings apply to all immigrant families. The experience of living in a country where the alphabet and the language are so different from my own, gave me taste of what it is like for so many of our students and families when they join our schools.
Korea is an ancient nation with a history of education and prosperity. The tragic chapter of the Korean War and its aftermath is what many people recall when speaking of Korea. Today, the country is wealthy, ultra modern, with an amazing system of public transportation, the fastest wi-fi system in the world and a mixture of old and new that never ceases to surprise tourists and locals.
Koreans are passionate about education and it is demonstrated by their commitment to schools and their respect for teachers. I visited many schools where I learned about what it is like to be a student and a teacher in Korea. Some observations from those visits:
Some highlights from my experience:
I loved every minute of my time in Korea – Seoul was mesmerizing and the small villages in the countryside surrounded by rice fields and mountains were extremely beautiful. The people were warm and welcoming – the teachers and professors so proud to have someone from the US excited to learn about their schools and country, the students so thrilled to share their work and English.
One of the most memorable and lasting experiences, meeting children’s author Yangsook Choi. Students and teachers in River Edge have enjoyed her book, The Name Jar and other titles. I was fortunate to meet her in Seoul. In the true spirit of the Fulbright exchange and the theme of my research, Bridging Perspectives: Collaborations in Education in Korea and the U.S., Ms.Choi would eventually travel to River Edge in March to talk to parents about creativity, being bilingual and the power of the imagination and did presentations to students in grades Kindergarten, first and second. It was a magical way to bring Korea to our schools! (See March 2017 above for more pictures and details.)
I am thrilled to be able to share this opportunity with the River Edge community. I am grateful for the parents, educators, Dr. Ben-Dov, and the Board of Education for supporting me in this journey.
Below: Photos to accompany Mrs. Schnee's wonderful experience ... Please note captions!
This past fall, I had the extraordinary opportunity to visit South Korea as the recipient of the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching. The program selects a small number of U.S primary and secondary teachers to pursue individual projects, conduct research, lead master classes and take courses for professional development. My Fulbright experience involved researching education and English education in South Korea, taking a university course on Korean history and culture and leading seminars and presentations at schools, universities and the government office of education.
Teaching English as a second language to students from different countries such as India, Japan, China, Latin America, Russia, Poland and Korea has provided me with the opportunity to learn about different languages and cultures. My longstanding relationship with Korean families in River Edge motivated me to want to gain first-hand insight into their language and culture. Although my research was on Korean education, many of the findings apply to all immigrant families. The experience of living in a country where the alphabet and the language are so different from my own, gave me taste of what it is like for so many of our students and families when they join our schools.
Korea is an ancient nation with a history of education and prosperity. The tragic chapter of the Korean War and its aftermath is what many people recall when speaking of Korea. Today, the country is wealthy, ultra modern, with an amazing system of public transportation, the fastest wi-fi system in the world and a mixture of old and new that never ceases to surprise tourists and locals.
Koreans are passionate about education and it is demonstrated by their commitment to schools and their respect for teachers. I visited many schools where I learned about what it is like to be a student and a teacher in Korea. Some observations from those visits:
- Days are shorter for students in Kindergarten-grade 3. Kindergarten leaves after lunch (1:30 pm) while grades 1, 2 and 3 slowly work up their way to a 3:00pm dismissal by the end of third grade. However, teachers at all grade levels end their school day at 4:30pm.
- Lunch: everyone one, including teachers and principals, eat together a hot balanced meal. Students help to keep the lunch rooms clean by clearing and wiping tables, disposing of leftover food in special “trash cans” so it can be composted later, stacking lunch trays, and putting chopsticks and spoons in their assigned containers.
- Textbooks: there are textbooks for all subject areas starting in grade 1. Teachers follow the National Curriculum that is presented with little variation in the textbooks published by a small number of publishers.
- Kindergarten: is play based in all public schools though students learn math, science, reading, writing and social studies through games. Formal reading and writing instruction begin in first grade. Handwriting is a subject that goes through the primary grades. Students may learn literacy skills earlier at private academies or at home.
- Teaching all subject areas: teachers at the elementary grade level teach all content areas including music, art and physical education. Some schools also hire specialists to teach traditional Korean music and dance.
- English instruction: public schools begin teaching English in grade 3 and continue up to grade 12. Private schools generally begin instruction in first or second grade.
Some highlights from my experience:
- My ESL students from River Edge: five of my students moved back to Seoul. They became my Korean family and showed me Korea through their generous eyes.
- The subways: how clean, efficient and safe they are.
- The food: varied and delicious, the freshest fish, pork and meat and an enormous selection of vegetables and fruits (though it is expensive).
- The buzz in Seoul – a very busy city where the juxtaposition of old and new is visible in every corner: tiles and steel, visible telephone wires, cable boxes and super fast internet, people pushing carts and impossible traffic jams, a city that never sleeps and people who sleep on subways and buses.
I loved every minute of my time in Korea – Seoul was mesmerizing and the small villages in the countryside surrounded by rice fields and mountains were extremely beautiful. The people were warm and welcoming – the teachers and professors so proud to have someone from the US excited to learn about their schools and country, the students so thrilled to share their work and English.
One of the most memorable and lasting experiences, meeting children’s author Yangsook Choi. Students and teachers in River Edge have enjoyed her book, The Name Jar and other titles. I was fortunate to meet her in Seoul. In the true spirit of the Fulbright exchange and the theme of my research, Bridging Perspectives: Collaborations in Education in Korea and the U.S., Ms.Choi would eventually travel to River Edge in March to talk to parents about creativity, being bilingual and the power of the imagination and did presentations to students in grades Kindergarten, first and second. It was a magical way to bring Korea to our schools! (See March 2017 above for more pictures and details.)
I am thrilled to be able to share this opportunity with the River Edge community. I am grateful for the parents, educators, Dr. Ben-Dov, and the Board of Education for supporting me in this journey.
Below: Photos to accompany Mrs. Schnee's wonderful experience ... Please note captions!
Spirit Days in River Edge
Showing school spirit is a fun way to take pride in your school! The student council sponsors "spirit days" throughout the school year and encourages everyone to participate. On January 27, 2017 Roosevelt School Celebrated "Dress Like a Twin Day" as part of Student Council Spirit Days! Other days the Student Council sponsors are:
- Crazy Hair Day: Style your hair in crazy ways with spikes, pig tails or pony tail, colorfully dye, or add odd ornaments like rubber bands or hair clips, or wear a silly wig
- Jersey Day: Grab a jersey from your favorite professional or college sports team, or a team you play for. T-shirts with a sports team logo works well also
- Hat Day: Choose your favorite hat or a hat that is unique and wear it to school
- Pajama Day: Stay in the pajamas you wore the night before and wear them to school. No slippers though. Students should wear regular shoes.
- Mismatch Day: Dress up in wild colors, mismatched shoes, different colored socks or different patterns (for example, stripes with polka dots, colors that clash, etc.)
