Jul 01 2009
Welcome to the 2009 delegation
Plymouth State University’s Pakistani Project is preparing to welcome its sixth delegation of Pakistani educational leaders for an intensive professional development institute that is the Project keystone. Pre- and post- institute Project activities in Pakistan are coordinated and facilitated by in-country partner Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA). Institute alumni act in an advisory capacity to the Project and assist in institute design and development. The United States Department of State and institutional stakeholders in the United States and Pakistan provide additional collaboration.
The 2009 Pakistani Educational Leadership Institute (PELI) will explore themes from previous institutes. They will be addressed from different perspectives in order to enrich continuing professional development opportunities for the PELI alumni network and colleagues in Pakistan.
The educational leadership component will address conflict resolution. Science education will examine issues that range from policy to pedagogy, using watersheds as a linking theme. The literacy workshop will focus on the effective delivery of teacher training. Interdisciplinary initiatives that integrate cultural heritage and the environment will explore the layered landscape. As a framework for the Institute curriculum, each delegate will be required to develop a Master Action Plan (MAP) for implementation in Pakistan. The MAPS will include objectives, activities, and measurable outcomes.
At the completion of the Institute, the delegates will receive Certificates of Professional Development and recognition as Master Trainers. They also will become alumni of Plymouth State University, with lifelong access to all alumni resources that include the extensive online capability of Lamson Learning Commons.
During the Institute, the delegates will share their accomplishments and serve as Ambassadors for Pakistan. They also will be honored members of the Plymouth State University community, engaging in professional development opportunities with their American colleagues in the Arts in Education Institute, Plymouth Writing Project, and the Institute’s International Watershed course for Pakistani and American educators.
New Hampshire’s Commissioner of Education, Dr. Virginia Barry, a former Provost and former acting President of Plymouth State University, will lead a question and answer session on American education during the Institute’s orientation. Visits to Newfound High School, Bristol, New Hampshire, New Hampton School, New Hampton, New Hampshire, and the John Tobin School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, will provide more opportunities to share experiences with fellow American educators from both the public and private sectors.
Community members also eagerly await the arrival of the delegation. A farmhouse tea, Mount Washington Valley luncheon, pond-side pizza party, Pemi-Baker Literacy Task Force pot luck dinner, and barbecue hosted by New Hampshire’s Pakistani community will offer relaxation amidst the intensity of the Institute schedule.
Special thanks to Plymouth State University’s dedicated and hard working campus-wide Pakistani Committee, Pakistan partner ITA, the U.S. Department of State, and Project supporters everywhere for making this possible. Special thanks to Plymouth State University’s President Sara Jayne Steen and Provost Julie Bernier for their thoughtful support of the Project.
A very special thanks to the Project’s 100 alumni who provide continuing inspiration due to their remarkable work in Pakistan as agents of change.
And a very special welcome to the 2009 delegation from all of us at Plymouth State University and the College of Graduate Studies.
