| "The different perspectives of Russian educators ... allowed me to see new alternatives to my own teaching methods. I will absolutely be a better teacher after this experience! ... Through meeting amazing educators I was reminded of the passion I also have for teaching. Success in education has more to do with resourcefulness and love for teaching and learning than with money and materials."
Christine Ruth, Somers Point, NJ. |
 | | Helen Blythe of Hudsonville, MI (right) takes part in a games competition with her special education counterparts. She writes: "Anytime one can participate in a cultural exchange ... one can't help but grow professionally. The exchange of ideas is what education is all about. [The Project Harmony program] reinforces once again my faith in those who truly care about the education of our children." |
In April 2001, a group of special educators from the United States and Canada took part in a Project Harmony pilot program in Novgorod, Russia. In the decade that Project Harmony has been running exchange programs for US and Russian educators, this was the first ever program with a thematic focus. The aim of the special education program was to encourage the exchange of information and ideas between US and Russian counterparts through face-to-face interaction and observation.
The ten program participants hailed from various states, as well as Ontario, and various special education disciplines, including speech therapy, early intervention, and school-to-work transition.
During their time in Novgorod, program participants visited a wide variety of special education settings, from special needs schools to government evaluation facilities, from a newly founded early intervention center to the special education department of Novgorod State University.
 | | Participants visited the "Topolek" (Little Poplar) Pre-school and Elementary School for children with physical and developmental disabilities. See Photo Album for more information on the site visit and the school. |
(For a more detailed descriptions of some of the sites visited, please see the Photo Album.)
Homestays with Novgorod families provided participants with an insider's view of everyday life in Russia. In addition to the professional site visits, the week-long program included cultural activities and trips to historical sites in and around the ancient city of Novgorod. Following the stay in Novgorod, participants spent two days in St. Petersburg on a cultural program.
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