Teaching in America Series

These materials were originally designed for use with the Chinese Guest Teacher initiative that NCSSFL partners with College Board on to provide professional development to new visiting teachers.  You are welcome to use these materials for your own work with visiting international teachers as long as you cite the source and reference this webpage.

The American Educational Setting

• Learning Objectives:
  1. I can activate prior knowledge about schools in the U.S.
  2. I can expand my understanding of the nature and organization of American schools.
  3. I can become more familiar and comfortable with the American educational setting.
• Presentation Slides (PowerPoint or PDF)
• Recording (MP4 from May 2, 2018)
• Homework Assignment done via online survey

Succeeding in American Schools

• Learning Objectives:
  1. I can understand the basic structure of the U.S. education system.
  2. I can gain an understanding of the staff structures in typical American schools.
  3. I can become familiar with:
  • The daily routine of teachers in American schools;
  • Typical class schedules, teacher schedules and school calendars;
  • Core academic subjects in U.S. and China;
  • A range of extracurricular activities; and
  • Profiles of "typical" American students.
    
• Presentation Slides (PowerPoint or PDF)
  
• Recording (MP4 from May 8, 2018)
  
• Reflection Guide for Homework Assignment with links to Chinese classroom videos
• Homework Assignment done via online survey