Where have I been for the last 2 months? Part 2: Framingham and Prepa Tec Santa Anita

It has been a hectic month and the blog updates have not been as copious as I wish them to. I am currently living one of the most interesting periods of my professional life since I have been appointed as Academy of Sciences Coordinator at Prepa Tec Santa Anita, where I taught for three semesters during 2009-2010.
Right after my return from Shanghai I studied two courses from the Master Program of Framingham State University. The first course was about Curriculum Mapping and Differentiation, while the second course was mainly devoted to Special Education. I really want to stress the fact that I came in contact with theories and concepts that have been around the United States for around two decades, but have been almost unheard of here in Mexico. Differentiation really struck me since it allows teachers to devote themselves to those students who learn by unique ways. The Framingham courses were exhausting, but extremely rewarding for I am constantly applying them as a Coordinator.
Moreover, I have felt a tremendous responsibility since the Academy of Sciences Coordination is a fresh position. It is a new project that aims to strengthen the curriculum, quality, and academic presence of Prepa Tec Santa Anita. The Coordination involves all six levels of Math (from Algebra to Calculus), Inorganic Chemistry/Organic Chemistry (which are known as Matter and Change/Carbon and its Compounds respectively), Physics, and Information Technologies. Right now it is the largest coordination in Prepa Tec Santa Anita.
Besides coordinating teachers, going back to teaching Chemistry, and preparing Life Science courses, I am also in charge of looking for interesting projects that will benefit students in hands-on experiences. If you, as a reader, know about ANY science projects out there, internationally speaking, let me know!
The challenges behind coordinating an extremely talented group of teachers are daunting, but so far it is an outstanding opportunity to inspire and walk through new roads of academic innovation.
By the way, by Mandarin skills keep on improving!
More updates coming!
Jorge

Where have I been for the last 2 months? Part 1: China

I perfectly remember the first quote I read during High School--“Writing is mind traveling, destination unknown”. Just like a thunder in the middle of a clear day, it struck me. I often compare teaching to the writing experience. Education involves not only mind travel, but an emotional trek as well. The destination may appear as unknown to both teacher and student. So, based on that premise, the last two months propelled me to two different destinations. One, became an actual location; the other, an academic location. I am talking about China and Framingham, respectively.

Yes, I taught in Shanghai. Yes, I lived over there for around 5 weeks. However, the important fact is not teaching, or living in China, but experiencing China. Feeling what China means in the contemporary world is perhaps one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had in my life. As a XX century born westerner one may think that eastern countries exist as exotic locations where one can draw comparisons to his or her homeland. Moreover, because western societies have more or less defined the world through industrialization, the illusion of believing that the world has to dance under Western tunes is enticing. Well, it should not be. One does not teach China. One learns from China.

The majority of developed western societies are nowadays hit by unemployment, credit crisis, inflation and a low morale. In the case of Mexico social insecurity, political confusion and an uncertain future are evident. However, China rises as a vibrant and dynamic beacon of hope. I do not want to fall into generalizations, but my personal experience tells me that the West tends to fear China. We listen to news about how China forbids Facebook, challenges Google, exploits its citizens, and pollutes the atmosphere. What I actually witnessed is a country devoted to progress, guided by what Martin Jacques describes as a “civilization state”. Moreover, China possesses an extraordinary foundation on education. It is important to note that Confucius’ beliefs regarding education and family are still alive in China. Beliefs that have dated for more than 2,500 years keep on permeating a nation dedicated to economic growth. This is not an overstatement, since visiting a Chinese school portrays this fact. Children and teenagers study for long hours, go to Saturday afternoon School, analyze literature and nature, comprehend mathematics, and maintain order within the classroom. Schools play a central role in Chinese life. What surprised me the most is how Chinese individuals respect teachers. China may well be the only country where I have experienced a sincere affection for the teaching profession. It does not matter what one teaches, saying 我是老师 (I am a teacher) produces admiration. In Mexico there is a belief that teachers are service providers who did not have a chance in another professional field. Or in the case of the United States, teachers may be sued because they do not comply with a parent’s whim. Due to a long history of Confucianism, China treats education as a pivotal element in society. Without teachers and respect for sages, there is no fabric that unites society. Unity is a key concept of Chinese existence. While the west is mesmerized by economic and corporate gurus, China still considers teachers as strategic persons for social, economical and political development. This is the reason why we must learn from China.

Now, regarding the Sustainability course, it seems that students enjoyed it and understood the value of sustainable development. A subject that was first considered as pure “ecology” became a daily quest of analysis, questions, discovery, and significant learning. I cannot be happier with the results of all students under my wing. That course is both my signature and dedication to students who are brave enough to visualize the importance of travelling to Shanghai, and listening to what the next largest economy has to say to the rest of the planet. To all those students: thank you and congratulations for your valiance.