Fifteen guests from the University of Tetova – six students among them – visited the NIU College of Education for a week of workshops related to contemporary practices in teacher preparation, U.S. cultural experiences in Chicago and the renewal of an agreement between the two institutions.
Built into the busy agenda were goals of mutual understanding, an internationalization of curriculum that examines global issues and interactions that could lead to collaborative research that spans two continents.
Relations between NIU and Tetova began a decade ago and, in 2016, resulted in a shared Center for Peace and Transcultural Communication to foster better social platforms for younger generations and a better society.
Arriving Sept. 6 and departing Sept. 14 for the return trip to North Macedonia, the group attended 10 presentations delivered by COE faculty and staff.
Tetova’s top three administrators also met with the provost, the dean of the NIU College of Law and the leadership of the college’s Office for Student Success and Community Counseling Training Center as well as the university’s Counseling and Consultation Services.
Meanwhile, the Tetova students and faculty reversed roles and offered their own presentations to the hosts:
- “Center for Peace and Transcultural Communication: Establishment, Activity and Cooperation with NIU.”
- “Social Climate in the University Environment and Student’s Career Development.”
- “The Role and Perceptions of Teachers in the Socio-Emotional Development of Students through Free Subject Activities in North Macedonia.”
- “Pre-Service and In-Service Preparation of Teachers for Socio-Emotional Development of Students.”
NIU’s presentations covered such topics as the current context of public education, facilitating change, establishing community and a sense of belonging in the learning environment, social justice, inclusion of students with special needs, trauma-informed teaching, socio-emotional learning, instructional technology, artificial intelligence and virtual reality.
College of Education faculty and staff who shared their expertise in those sessions were Rosarin Adulseranee, Hyoju Ahn, Natalie Andzik, Stephanie Baker, Ben Creed, Suzanne Degges-White, Razack Dwomoh, Joe Flynn, Lynn Gibson, Yenitza Guzman, Dana Isawi, Farah Ishaq, Eric Junco, Mark Kahovec, Stacy Kelly, Jason Klein, Miriam Ojahi, Brandon Perez, Jim and Becky Surber, Cansu Tatar, Ana Velazquez, Donna Werderich, Hope “Bess” Wilson and Paul Wright.
Visitors were Jusuf Zejneli (rector), Vullnet Ameti (president of the Senate of the University of Tetova), Naser Ramadani (head of the Office of Education), Lulzim Mehmedi (dean of the Faculty of Pedagogy), Shpresa Memishi (dean of the Faculty of Physical Education) and professors Makfirete Ameti, Sheruze Osmani, Teuta Ramadani-Rasimi and Arbresha Zenki Dalipi.
Students were Ajlin Ajeti, Anila Ajro, Fjolla Berisha , Floriana Bilali, Mevlan Jonuzi and Yllka Rexhepi.
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