GMHS IB English teacher Karin Tooze thanks FCEF for travel support through the Lois Berlin Teacher Travel Fund.  "I just wanted to write to first of all say thank you for providing me with a grant to attend an IB conference in Oxford, England!  Not only was it a beautiful location to travel to, it was a worthwhile conference.  The conference comes up only once every three years, and I was so glad to have attended it and not to have to wait for another three years!   The workshop was an IB Level 3 training for Literature, specifically Teaching Works in Translation.  During the course of the three days, we discussed problems with translations, various philosophies behind teaching works in translation, which translated texts work well with high school students, and how to assess the IB paper that deals with translation.  Not only was our training a long-time IB English teacher, but she was also an IB parent, which afforded her with many great perspectives.  My colleagues at the conference were English teachers from all over the world--Norway, Wales, Singapore, Hungry, Jordan, Bulgaria and Egypt.  (The teacher from Egypt taught at the American School at Cairo, and we actually swapped students back and forth during the evacuation of Cairo!  Small world!)

This grant has allowed me to attend a highly specific training for the teaching of IB Literature--specifically works in translation.  The collaboration with colleagues from around the world made me realize how similar the issues facing IB Literature teachers are the world over.  I walk away from Oxford with lessons to implement into my classroom today and ways to revise the curriculum in the future.  I am eager to share my knowledge with my fellow GMHS English teachers at our next department meeting. " 

To support the IB Level 2 and 3 training through the FCEF, please click on "Donate Now" button on the website and indicate the intent of your contribution.

These TJ students had a thrill of a lifetime riding the Falls Church fire truck to school in June.  Thanks to the Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department and to the supporters of the FCEF live auction the winning combination.  Can't wait to see what our creative volunteers drum up for next year's auction!