The Teacher’s Gallery had its 5th Filipino Educators Global Learning Initiative – Cohort A last April 20-30 in California, USA. This benchmarking opportunity for our Filipino educators was hosted by Santa Clara Unified Schools District. The group was welcomed by Ms. Rose DuMond, Special Education Coordinator of Santa Clara Unified Schools District, and Ms. Joycelyn Flores, High School SPED Teacher from Adrian Wilcox High School.
Upon arrival in California, our Filipino educators initially visited the San Francisco’s popular landmarks – hiked around the Golden Gate Bridge, meals at Fisherman’s wharf and strolled at the Ghirardelli Chocolate factory and experienced an exciting trip at Lombard Street – known as the “Crookedest Street in the World.”
Following the first two days, classroom observations were done in Cabrillo Elementary School and Adrian Wilcox High School.
Our delegates were able to have a co-teaching experience with Special Education experts at Adrian Wilcox High School. The group sat down with the supervisors and teachers and explained how they do the successful inclusion programs for their students.
At Adrian Wilcox High School, our delegates sit down with paraprofessionals to train them on how to use Boardmaker Online. This provides a multi-level approach to creating engaging print and interactive materials for special education needs.
On the 5th Day, the group started the day by attending mass at the Our Lady of Peace Church and Shrine. The day was arranged to visit Silicon Valley’s renowned Tech companies like Google, Apple, Netflix, Intel, Facebook and others. The group capped their day with a University visit at Stanford University.
The 6th day is the start of the cultural immersion and getting know the city, the 2nd most populous city in the U.S. after New York City. The group spent time walking around Hollywood also known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” In the evening, they lounge with the Filipino Educators based in Los Angeles and sharing teaching experiences from appetizers to desserts. The group spent their last day in Disneyland California – the happiest place on Earth. The group explored the “Magical Kingdoms” and cruised around the world of Disney characters. During the evening is their preparation in going home to Manila the next day.
