University of Kentucky College of Education
University of Kentucky College of Education
Bridging Borders
Dean Speaks at Multi-State Chinese Teachers conference
University of Kentucky College of Education Dean Mary John O ’ Hair ( pictured below in front row , third from left ) spoke at the UK Confucius Institute ’ s annual Multi-State Chinese Teachers Professional Development Conference in November . The conference is part of the institute ’ s efforts to grow and develop Chinese educators ’ teaching skills and foster internationalization at the University of Kentucky .
A group of 154 Chinese teachers from 129 public schools in 24 states attended the conference .
“ The UK Confucius Institute initiated this Multi-State Chinese Teachers Professional Development Conference in 2012 , the first in the world ,” said Huajing Maske , director of the UKCI and executive director of the Office of China Initiatives . “ Since its first huge success in 2012 , the UKCI has received special funds from Hanban every year to organize this conference .”
UKCI has trained 480 Chinese teachers from 26 different states , according to Maske .
“ The UK Confucius Institute has become the Chinese Teachers Training Center in the southeast and southwest United States ,” she said . “ This not only serves the Chinese teachers but also increases UK ’ s visibility in the U . S . and in China .”
In addition to the conference speakers , the Chinese teachers had the opportunity to participate in various group activities and attend conference workshops to help them develop and enhance their Chinese language-teaching skills .
6 | COE COMMUNICATOR | FEBRUARY 2017