Being the Change

Audience: Primary Years Programme
Audience: Middle Years Programme
Audience: Diploma Programme
Audience: Research
Audience: General Interest
Session: Block 4: Saturday 11:15 to 12:30, Room: Seacliff D

Ghandi said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." As IB teachers and schools undertake service projects in the developing world, we need to understand what is involved in implementing successful, sustainable programs. Volunteers from the IB Train the Trainer project in Sri Lanka (which created a cadre of preschool leaders in tsunami devastated villages) share their rewards and challenges, examining what you need to know before you initiate a project such as this to ensure sustainability and how the experience deepens practice at home. Expect to participate!


Anne Evans, IB Projects Volunteer, IB Projects Volunteer

Educated in Europe, Anne Evans gained her Teachers Certificate in the United Kingdom. Her 40-year career has taken her to Iran, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Qatar, and California where she founded Cascade Canyon School and then became Director of Santa Rosa Charter School. Under her directorship, Santa Rosa became an authorized IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme. She holds a M.S. in Education from Greenwich University and is an IB Workshop Leader and Consultant. She consults with schools worldwide and is the Chief Advisor for IB Projects' teacher training project for preschool teachers in tsunami-devastated villages in Sri Lanka.

Amy Gritters, Preschool Director, St. Mary's and All Angels School

While completing her degree at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Amy Gritters began teaching preschool and continued after college. She began working in administration four years ago and currently is the Preschool Director at St. Mary's and All Angles School. Ms Gritters oversees a staff of 16 and 140 children ages three through five. In February of 2008, she participated in the IB Asia Pacific Teacher to Teacher training project in Sri Lanka, during which she led a workshop covering topics of special needs, multiple intelligences, observations of children, and inclusive education. Ms Gritters has traveled extensively internationally and was particularly touched by her experience in Sri Lanka.


Organization website: http://www.smaa.org

Dottie Price, Classroom Teacher, River Oaks Elementary School

Dottie Price teaches third grade at River Oaks Elementary in Houston, Texas. She has taught each grade, K-5, during her 24 years in the classroom. Dottie believes that teaching is an art, and that the teacher's calling is to bring forth each student's best self. Eleven years ago, she created the Elders Songwriting project in collaboration with a local retirement home. Students visit with residents who tell stories from their lives. Students use the notes they take to write ballads honoring the elders, which they present as gifts during a performance/celebration.