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Williamston teacher describes Fulbright exchange program, plans classroom and student links with India
Summary
A Williamston High School teacher described a summer Fulbright program in India, detailing classroom exchanges, school visits and plans to expand global learning at the district, including a possible Model UN collaboration and a proposed global scholars program.
Anne, a Williamston teacher, told the Board of Education on Tuesday that she participated in a Fulbright Global Classrooms exchange and traveled to schools in India after completing a 10‑week remote component and an in‑person kickoff in Washington, D.C.
She said 19 teachers from 17 states traveled with her group to India and described weeklong school visits in Delhi and Gujarat, classroom exchanges with U.S. teachers, and efforts to study approaches to inclusion. "My guiding question was . . . how do you create an inclusive community?" Anne said, describing visits to schools that mix students from different economic backgrounds and mandate inclusive practices such as inviting all classmates to birthday parties.
The teacher gave the board details about the in‑country program: paired classroom exchanges, cross‑cultural lessons in mindfulness and kindness, and site visits to private and nonprofit schools with boarding programs and both CBSE and IB curricula. She said some host schools must reserve 25% of seats for students from nearby slum areas and that instruction and reading work often begins in students’ mother tongues.
Anne described logistical and cultural differences she encountered, including heat, regional languages, and dress norms, and she urged use of the trip’s materials in local classrooms. She also said participants received a stipend of $1,700 to help cover lodging and local expenses prior to in‑country costs being covered by program partners.
The teacher said she is completing required coursework and a two‑page reflective paper and is building a website of resources to share with colleagues. She proposed ongoing connections with Navarachana International School in Vadodara, including virtual Model UN collaborations and shared resources between U.S. and Indian teachers.
Superintendent Adam praised Anne’s presentation and said the district benefits when staff pursue such professional learning opportunities. At the end of her presentation, the board and administrators asked logistical questions about school calendars and stipend coverage.
Anne concluded by encouraging staff and students to keep seeking learning opportunities beyond the school year: "Keep on learning. This is true for all of you. Keep on learning."
