The First International Teacher Training Program at Beijing Normal University: A New Era in Global Teacher Development
On March 27, Beijing Normal University (BNU) hosted its inaugural International Teacher Training Program under the Institute of Global Teacher Development. The event drew more than 200 participants, including government officials, representatives from UNESCO, university leaders, and educators from over 50 countries.
Keynote Speakers and Significance
Keynote speakers included Du Jiangfeng, Vice Minister of Education; Yu Jihong, President of BNU; and Yu Weiyue, Director of the Department of Teacher Work of the Ministry of Education. They indicated that the establishment of the Institute of Global Teacher Development and the launch of the international program marks a significant advancement in the exchange of educational expertise between China and the global community. Speakers stressed the importance of the program in promoting the internationalization of education.
Program Objectives
The program aims to utilize the expertise of 21 branch centers within the Institute to conduct in-depth research on teacher education characteristics specific to various regions and countries. This research will focus on identifying critical areas for international collaboration and enhancing global partnerships.
Experiences from Trainee Teachers
Trainee teachers, such as Duisenbay Kulpynay from Kazakhstan and Qiji from Nigeria, provided insights into their experiences and objectives. Kulpynay highlighted the program’s function as a platform for the professional development of educators, while Qiji emphasized his dedication to promoting educational cooperation and cultural exchanges between China and Africa.
Role of Chinese Language Teachers
Li Na, representing BNU’s overseas teaching faculty, discussed the role of Chinese language teachers as cultural ambassadors and called for collaborative initiatives to amplify the global influence of Chinese education.
Global Challenges Addressed
Zhang Minxuan, Director of the UNESCO International Research and Training Centre for Rural Education, delivered a keynote address addressing significant global challenges, including the shortage of qualified teachers.
Closing Remarks and Future Outlook
BNU Vice President Wang Ming provided closing remarks, expressing optimism regarding the program’s potential to cultivate educators proficient in both Chinese and foreign cultures, demonstrating a commitment to future educational initiatives.
Participation and Future Initiatives
The training program included participation from leaders of 21 partner institutions and over 100 international trainee teachers and students specializing in teacher education. The Institute of Global Teacher Development is expected to continue its role in facilitating advancements in global teacher education.
Original source: Beijing Normal University.
