Friends of International Education |
Click here for photos taken at the founding meeting. |
MISSION STATEMENT The Friends of International Education endeavors to promote global awareness and understanding among Wisconsin citizens. Its primary goal is to provide opportunities for students, teachers, and others to enhance their understanding of -- and participation in -- the global community. We are committed to: Providing a structure to facilitate resource identification, networking, collaboration, and cooperation. Developing programs, resources, and relationships that will serve to promote and interdisciplinary approach to international education in Wisconsin, including an emphasis on competency in world languages, global awareness, and cross-cultural exchanges. Working in collaboration with other organizations, local and international, to improve access to professional development opportunities and international exchange programs, and to increase public awareness of international events taking place in Wisconsin. HISTORY OF THE ORGANIZATION Wisconsin has long been a leader in promoting K-12 international education with support from former Superintendent of Public Instruction John Benson. In 1996, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) received the annual International Education Award from the Council of Chief State School Officers. The office of the DPI International Education Consultant continues its activities under the supervision of Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster. The concept of a statewide network in support of international education dates back to the early 1990's. Representatives from a number of institutions and organizations met and corresponded with the idea of creating outreach programs for professional development and resources in all parts of Wisconsin. Although that goal was not reached, contacts and connections were made. More teachers and students became involved in programs of an international nature. Communities were increasingly linked to a world becoming "smaller" each year. In 1997, the Wisconsin International Trade Council (WITCO) and the governor's office co-sponsored an "International Education Task Force." The 1998 report of the task force highlighted the need for increasingly worldly students and citizens. A long list of recommendations toward that end was issued for pre-collegiate schools, post-secondary institutions, and corporations (which were asked to provide more support for international education initiatives). About a year later, a few key educators found themselves in an e-mail "conversation" discussing the need to maintain momentum and encourage follow-on to the report, especially from the standpoint of K-12 education and teacher education programs. The timing was right, and the result was the founding meeting on April 14, 2000 of what soon became the Friends of International Education. The meeting was attended by over fifty people from all parts of the state and from all levels of education and other sectors. An additional fifty indicated their interest but could not attend, and the number of interested persons has grown to several hundred since then. Our membership now includes people from other states and countries who recognize the organization as a unique and ambitious model. In line with national trends, this dynamic new organization is acting on an imperative trumpeted by state leaders -- global perspectives in education for a state increasingly linked to a complex world. |
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