Boulder teacher traveling to Tajikistan

An Arapahoe Ridge High School teacher will bring her expertise to Boulder's sister city next year as part of an international cultural exchange program.

Jode Brexa, who teaches language arts and English as a second language, will spend two weeks in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, in April, sharing her teaching practices with educators and participating in other programs with local schools.

Brexa is one of 40 teachers across the country selected to participate in the educational and cultural exchange program, which is run by the U.S. Department of State and International Research and Exchange Board. Participating teachers will be traveling to 18 countries in Asia, South and Central America and Sub-Saharan Africa.

"I was amazed when I found out that I would have the opportunity to bring the practices I do to that country," Brexa said. "It's a great opportunity."

Brexa will work with three Tajik teachers over the next few months and during her visit, exchanging educational issues and practices. Brexa will also visit Tajik schools, conduct workshops and meet with NGOs during her two-week trip.

One of the things she hopes to introduce to Tajik educators is digital storytelling, which she has been integrating into her classrooms.

As part of the sister cities program, Boulder officials opened a solar-powered cybercafe in Dushanbe last fall in exchange for the Dushanbe Teahouse, which opened here in 1990.

Brexa said she has been to the teahouse several times and put Dushanbe as her first choice because of the city's connection to Boulder. She said she was also swayed by a visit Sophia Stoller -- a member of the Boulder-Dushanbe Sister Cities organization -- made to the school.

"She came to talk about world cultures, and she engendered a lot of interest among students," Brexa said. "It was the first time I thought about Dushanbe as a destination."

Brexa said she has long been involved with international culture and exchange, beginning with her time as a Peace Corps volunteer. She said she's looking forward to learning more about Dushanbe and its educational system.

"I hope to explore the rich tapestry of Tajik culture, and find out what some of the educational challenges are there," she said. "I hope to use the experience to further educational reform."


Source:dailycamera.com