Reciprocity Project Classes Engage in Introductory Activities
This succinct piece highlights several of the different “introductory activities” that have been produced by some of the participating Rural Educators Across Borders teachers and their students.
The Reciprocity Project is an I Am a Rural Teacher Pilot Program in collaboration with the Welsh Government, Rural Schools Collaborative, Teton Science Schools, University of Denver, and the University of Colorado—Denver.
Reciprocity Project Classes Engage in Introductory Activities
The inaugural Reciprocity Project was launched earlier this fall, and all 24 participating teachers from Wales, Northern Ireland, and the United States have met virtually with their respective teacher “partners” and project facilitators. In addition, several classes have already exchanged student-produced efforts introducing themselves and their communities. These activities include introductory videos, place-based instructional ideas, and even a “travel brochure.”
The goal is to have all introductory work wrapped up by early 2024, and at that point teachers will begin focusing on shared place-based instruction activities.
We hope you will check out some of the early work!
Clare Hamer, Trallwng School, Welshpool, Wales
Clare’s students made two introductory videos–one in English for Poison Spider School in Casper, Wyoming, and one in Welsh for their school partners at Llanllwni School, Llanllwni, Wales.
Karen Hernandez, Carthage, Missouri & Gwenfair Matthews-Jones, The Bodedern School, Bodedern, Wales
Students from both schools have shared introductory videos. Excitingly, both Karen’s students and Gwenfair’s students are engaged in bilingual learning!
Abi Dartnell, Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, St. Davids, Wales & Hannah Jones, Pennar Community School, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Abi shared a place-based learning activity that provides information on her students’ community of St. Davids. Hannah’s students created leaflets about Pennar Community School. These have been shared with students in Boardman, Oregon!
Mariah Garzee, Central Intermediate School, Monmouth, Illinois
Mariah Garzee's Central Intermediate School students from Monmouth, Illinois introduce themselves to their partner classes at County Derry Primary School and St. Brigid's Primary School in Mayogall, Northern Ireland.
Thank you to all of our participating teachers! We look forward to sharing more student work in 2024!
Connie Skrmetta - Delisle, MS
August 20, 2024
Highlighting the innovative programs created and led by Mississippi Rural Teacher of the Year winner, Connie Skrmetta, the Health and Physical Education Teacher at DeLisle Elementary School in DeLisle, MS.
Regional Hubs, Power of Partnerships, Place-Based Education, Local Philanthropy, Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Mississippi, Mississippi
Todd Willis - Tate County, MS
July 9, 2024
Highlighting the innovative programs created and led by Mississippi Rural Teacher of the Year winner, Todd Willis, an innovative 3rd grade Teacher at Coldwater Elementary School in Tate County, MS.
Regional Hubs, Place-Based Education, Local Philanthropy, Teacher Profile, Teacher Feature: Mississippi, Mississippi
2024 Grants in Place Celebration of Learning
June 20, 2024
The Celebration of Learning features 17 rural teachers who were awarded grants to do a Place-Based Education project that connected their classrooms and communities.