A new educational partnership between Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and the United Kingdom's International Education Organization will bring British teachers to Montgomery County this month to promote the sharing of best practices in education.

The goal of the Teachers' International Professional Development Program is to develop a three-year program of visits to MCPS schools by British teachers selected for their professional knowledge and accomplishments. The first-year pilot, which will include 10 British teachers, is scheduled from March 27-April 6 at schools in the Walter Johnson High School Cluster.

The teachers will visit for two weeks, including four days in the schools, working and sharing skills and resources with their American peers. Activities may include work shadowing, team and individual teaching, and attending professional workshops and meetings. At the end of the period, the British and American teachers will develop practical methods for continuing professional communication.

In subsequent school years, about 30 teachers are expected to be part of this study visit. To further maximize the program's effectiveness, British teachers will be matched with MCPS teachers in comparable grades and subjects.

MCPS has been working with the British Council USA on the partnership. The school-to-school linkages are designed to:

 Support the professional development of MCPS and British teachers.

 Provide assets for improved academic results.

 Help create a positive and self-renewing work environment through incorporating fresh ideas and approaches or promote a unique professional dialogue among educators.

The British Council will provide housing and transportation for the visiting educators. The Council also hopes to obtain Fulbright funds to facilitate professional development trips for 10 MCPS teachers in future years.

For more information on the Teachers' International Professional Development Program, contact:

Ms. Sandra Shmookler, Montgomery County Public Schools, at 301-279-3432

or

Ms. Stacey Colvin, British Council, at 202-588-7864.