Uruguayan teachers observe in U-46 classes with NIU, Fulbright program

Two dozen teachers from Uruguay are observing in Elgin Area School District U-46 classrooms through Friday, Feb. 21, as they receive a comprehensive introduction to American culture, history and educational system.

Hosted by the Northern Illinois University College of Education, Elgin U-46 and DeKalb Community Unit School District 428, the visitors are job-shadowing Spanish-speaking teachers to gain access to "best practices" in U.S. bilingual programs as they see a variety of instructional methods and approaches in their respective content areas.

While in the schools, the Uruguayan scholars also will deliver presentations on the culture and educational system of their homeland to the local teachers.

Their visit to the United States also includes two days of professional development on the NIU campus in DeKalb on topics such as differentiated instruction for students with learning disabilities, children's books, socioemotional learning, U.S. language policy and urban graffiti.