Discussions

I have been in contact with Swathi Balasubramanian who is the Program Coordinator (Civil Society Division) for the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) in D.C. This organization has fourteen high schools in Kyrgyzstan, Russia that are collaborating with other schools through their organization. Swathi is looking for teachers and students in the U.S. who would like to collaborate with these high schools. She is especially interested in Challenge Based Learning collaborations, but other topics can also be considered!

Swathi asked that I send you the message below. I spoke with the National Director of Roots & Shoots, and although they do not work directly with IREX, she said they are, indeed, a very credible organization. And, my conversations with Swathi have been excellent, inspiring, and very professional.

Thanks for your consideration. Below is Swathi's message and contact information.

J.

Julene S. Reed, M.Ed.

Director of Academic Technology

St. George's Independent School

1880 Wolf River Blvd.

Collierville, TN 38017

Apple Distinguished Educator

Advisory Council, Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots

Advisory Council, Polar Bears International

Advisory Board, Tennessee Distance Learning Association

Google Certified Teacher

STAR Discovery Educator

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Dear Educators,

IREX is currently looking for US high school classrooms to participate in its Global Connections & Exchange program. Attached, please find a one-page announcement about our program.

Basically, we:

• Connect high school students and teachers in the US with their peers across the world in Kyrgyzstan through online tools

• Our projects are free

• We adapt our projects to meet teachersí curriculum goals

• Projects take place in English on our secure online forum board and/or ning site

**Please note that only high school classrooms are eligible to participate.

We are currently looking for US high schools to participate from now until July 2010. We are always looking for new and interested teachers so please feel free to pass along this announcement to anyone else who may be interested. Please contact me at [ mailto:swathi@irex.or ]swathi@irex.org with any questions.

Sincerely,

Swathi

Swathi BalasubramanianProgram Coordinator, Civil Society Division

International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX)

2121 K Street, NW, Suite 700

Washington, DC 20037

T: +1 202 628 8188 x140

F: +1 202 628 8189