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K-State Today

March 10, 2023

K-State hosts Brazilian teachers for professional development program

Submitted by Grant Chapman

PDPI Brazilian Teachers at K-State

Forty-two English teachers from Brazil spent six weeks at Kansas State University for a professional development experience coordinated by the English Language Program, or ELP, and Office of International Programs.

PDPI, or the Programa de Desenvolvimento Profissional para Professores de Lingua Inglesa nos EUA in Portuguese, is a program of the Brazilian government to promote English skills and knowledge of U.S. culture to improve English teaching in Brazilian public schools.

This was the third cohort hosted by the English Language Program. The first groups came in 2018 and 2019, followed by a hiatus due to the pandemic. Among other activities, the group enjoyed speaking with students in the Staley School of Leadership, eating Call Hall ice cream, visiting the State Capitol and Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Park and chatting with residents at Stoneybrook Retirement Community, along with many hours of workshops and classes to improve their English skills and personal knowledge of culture in the U.S.

"Special thanks goes to our English Language Program's leadership and faculty for bringing and conducting this six-week development program for Brazilian teachers at K-State," said Grant Chapman, associate provost for international programs.  

The closing ceremony included a message from Marcellus Caldas, assistant provost for international faculty collaboration and educational programs, and a presentation of certificates by Chapman. The participants shared inspiring examples of how they will incorporate their experiences at K-State into their classrooms. A video produced by one of the participants highlighted how this experience was the culmination of a life-long dream for many in the group.

Thanks go out to the many campus offices and individuals who assisted in making this an unforgettable experience for the participants: Katherine Schlageck, Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art; Marcos Mendez and Jessica Lane, Counseling and Psychological Services; House and Dining Services; Global Campus; James Byland, assistant professor of leadership studies; and Anne Phillips, professor of English. Wendy Matthews, assistant director of special programs and sponsored students, spent countless hours coordinating logistics and support for the visitors.