Arnold was one of 15 teachers from across the country chosen to participate in the exhange program, which is intended to "establish connections between U.S. teachers and their international hosts" through professional development activities, according to Chris Helpkamp, of the international board. During his time in Ukraine, Arnold taught English classes, attended club meetings with students and taught a seminar for English teachers about how to incorporate technology into their lesson planning. "The students were excited to have an American (there)," Arnold said of his Ukranian students, who also had many questions to ask about President Obama and the British royal family.
John Arnold and his wife were Peace Corps volunteers in Russia from 1996 to 1998 -- an experience he felt prepared him for the Ukraine trip, as there were many Russian speakers at the school
Centennial teacher spends spring break in Ukraine
School Days
By Medina Roshan
mroshan@patuxent.com
Posted 5/07/09
While his students were busy enjoying spring break, John Arnold took an alternative spring break of sorts to Ukraine.
Between April 5 and 16, the Centennial High School ESOL teacher was in the Crimean peninsula of Ukraine in the city of Sevastopol as part of the Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program sponsored by the U.S. State Department and implemented by the International Research and Exchanges Board.
Arnold was one of 15 teachers from across the country chosen to participate in the exhange program, which is intended to "establish connections between U.S. teachers and their international hosts" through professional development activities, according to Chris Helpkamp, of the international board.
During his time in Ukraine, Arnold taught English classes, attended club meetings with students and taught a seminar for English teachers about how to incorporate technology into their lesson planning.
"The students were excited to have an American (there)," Arnold said of his Ukranian students, who also had many questions to ask about President Obama and the British royal family.
Arnold also had the opportunity to visit many historic sites, such as the site of the Yalta Conference during World War II, something he hopes to incorporate in his history lectures at Centennial.
Arnold said he learned a great deal while on his trip, especially when it comes to his students back home.
"I hope I'm opening up horizons ... giving them an interest in another part of the world," he said. "It reminds me of how my students are feeling. It's put me in the learner position again."
Arnold and his wife were Peace Corps volunteers in Russia from 1996 to 1998 -- an experience he felt prepared him for the Ukraine trip, as there were many Russian speakers at the school.
