The commitment and support of the IAPE community does not end – in fact, it begins – at the conclusion of the 10-day on-site experience.
IAPE Virtual Community
The IAPE Virtual Community provides all participants in the IAPE Teachers’ Collaborative and IAPE Intensive English Programs with a venue through which to communicate with their colleagues, instructors, and IAPE program personnel, to share their successes, and to discuss the challenges of implementing new pedagogical techniques learned in order to facilitate and enhance their teaching practices.
Here are some excerpts from our forums:
"Today was my first day with the new teaching techniques and it was like having a magic wand! Students were really interested and they like it." — Gaby C. Colegio de Estudios Científicos y Tecnológicos del Estado de Jalisco.
"I had one of my best experiences with my kids in kindergarten. I officialy started teaching them last week... They loved it, they were asking me to pick them, 'Pick me! teacher!! me, me, me!' I could not believe how excited they got and how they enjoy the moment of the drill." — Natzyelly G., Jardín de Niños J. Piaget, Victoria, Tamaulipas.
"I practiced the drills and they were really happy and enthusiastic. I think these techniques will improve my teaching. I am planning to share the techniques with a group of teachers. Some teachers from other subjects have asked me to share the techniques with them, so I will try to explain the activities in Spanish so they can implement them in their own subjects." — Marco S. Escuela Secundaria Técnica #4, Atlixco, Puebla.
"As first [my students] didn't know what what going on, but as soon as they realized that learning could be funny, they LOVED IT! I have used the technique for the alphabet, and ALL MY STUDENTS liked, enjoyed and most important LEARNED it.... Little by little my students are breaking the crusts, and are eager to learn, and to participate in the classroom's activities." — Juan Pablo P., Universidad Tecnolóica de la Selva, Ocosingo, Chiapas.
What They’re Saying about the IAPE Teachers’ Collaborative
"I went there to learn about a teaching method and I came back with a life lesson. What you did was that, you not only taught us a way of teaching but a way of caring." — María de Lourdes V., Universidad Tecnológica de Tlaxcala
"... IAPE 2009 has given me so many reasons to keep trying and to keep moving for a better education. Thank you all for everything and believe me you are in my heart and I will never forget you, keep in mind that you have made a difference in my life and my teaching job." — Gabriela C., Colegio de Estudios Científicos y Tecnológicos del Estado de Jalisco
"Mr. Rassias said 'get rid of all those crusts you have!', and we did. The result was... a group of teachers who rediscovered their love for their students and for their jobs. I feel very grateful for having been part of this deconstruction of knowledge and reencounter with my calling!!!" — Maricruz A., Escuela Normal Superior de México
"We always have the idea of discrimination towards Mexican people from people from the United States, and the way you treated us was simply amazing! We were treated as intelligent people and friends, and the experience went beyond all my expectations. Dr. Rassias, sharing all his amazing knowledge and charm, without restrictions of any kind, is something I will be thankful for the rest of my life. I will never forget him nor you.... because you gave us the best attention in all senses, and also you gave us LOVE." — Mayra A., Programa Inglés en Primaria, Secretaría de Educación Pública y Cultura de Sinaloa
Video created by Mariám P., Programa Inglés en Primaria, Secretaría de Educación Pública y Cultura de Sinaloa.
"Para mí, la estancia en Estados Unidos y ser participante de IAPE me ha dado mas seguridad en mi práctica profesional… Ahora todo lo que la gente pueda decir de Estados Unidos y las formas de vida, toman otra perspectiva, otro sentido porque ahora yo también puedo comentar lo que nosotros vivimos en el programa. La seguridad adquirida sirve para motivar a nuestros alumnos también para que ellos conozcan la cultura americana y para que ellos se sientan motivados a aprender inglés." — Anonymous participant, IAPE Teachers' Collaborative 2008
"Las personas con las que convivìmos durante el curso en Dartmouth Collage, mostraron en todo momento una gran calidez humana… TODOS, dieron muestra de un gran profesionalismo, entrega, compromiso, y sobre todo una gran sencillez. … Esta experiencia me hace pensar y sentir que en los Estados Unidos hay personas que están trabajando no sólo para el mejoramiento de su país sino por mejorar la calidad de vida de los paises que tienen la fortuna de participar en programas como IAPE." — Anonymous participant, IAPE Teachers' Collaborative 2008
"Los organizadores son personas con mucha calidad humana, me dieron un trato digno, estuvieron pendientes del más mínimo detalle, atentos a nuestra persona, en fin, no tengo palabras para expresar lo bien que me sentí durante el proceso de selección, en mi traslado y en mi estancia en Hanover, mis respetos para todos ellos." — Anonymous participant, IAPE Teachers' Collaborative 2008
Map of Participants
U.S.-based IAPE representatives are also available for consultation on-line throughout the year, and in person during their periodic site visits to schools in Mexico. They visit past participants in their classrooms and also convene groups of past participants for refresher workshops and for social gatherings when they visit cities where there is a IAPE presence.
Worldfund's work would not be possible without the following ongoing corporate and foundation partners:
