Gail Luerssen of Boscawen, NH, (center) was one of the participants in the 2000 Project Harmony program. Thanks in part to her encouragement, Project Harmony decided to attempt a second program in Novgorod, one focused specifically on special education. Gail is pictured here, on the 2001 program, with Judy Beam of Athens, TN, and Elma Wilson of Lake Odessa, MI, during a visit to Novgorod's Jurievsky Monastery. The Monastery's central cathedral dates back to the 11th century.

This Project Harmony pilot program built on contacts made between special education advocates during Project Harmony's February 2000 educator program in Novgorod. Encouraged by these initial interactions and the enthusiasm of both Russian and US special educators to expand the information exchange, Project Harmony came up with the idea to create an educator travel program focused specifically on special education. Working closely with the Novgorod-based organization, "Community," Project Harmony designed the program to offer U.S. and Canadian special educators insight into the particular challenges of promoting special education in a post-socialist society.

Project Harmony believed that this sort of experience would provide participants with a broader perspective on their field as a whole, thus serving as a unique professional development opportunity. The program was also intended to serve the needs and interests of Russian special educators, many of whom have ample energy and inspiration but minimal resources and contact with like-minded colleagues, be they close to home or abroad. Program participants were encouraged to bring along curriculum materials, Internet resource recommendations, and networking examples to share with their Russian counterparts. In the months leading up to the program, Project Harmony provided participants with background materials and detailed program information to prepare for the professional and cultural experience.