Teacher Exchange Program

What is the Heartspring Teacher Exchange Program?

The Heartspring Teacher Exchange Program is designed to support, inspire, train and motivate professionals from other countries who work with children with special needs and are seeking further education and awareness. This is done through an introduction, orientation, and training process on the Heartspring campus, utilizing Heartspring professionals and an immersion into the classrooms, homes, and numerous other activities that provide learning opportunities.

What others have said: 

“As I met Heartspring (for the) first time, I told Gary, (Heartspring President and CEO) that I don’t feel alone any more. Your support since these years makes all teachers in Stars and Rain and more people in China feel that we are never far from each other. You are very close to us, you are a part of us, of our children in China, of our families,” said Tian (Hope) Huiping, the founder of Stars and Rain, Beijing, China

“We gathered lot of information along with great ideas that would benefit our children also. Most important learning was to respect our children. We learnt about the different strategies of behavior modification and communication that can be implement in our center (Action For Autism) accordingly. The exchange program was very helpful to us. It was a good learning experience for us.” – Taken from a letter from Preeti Siwach & Jayati Ghosh with Action for Autism, New Delhi, India

LENGTH: 

• 10 days
• 14 days
• 21 days

WHEN: Dates available: 

• May 1 – 21 (February 1st application deadline)
• Nov 1 – 21 (August 1st application deadline)

SELECTION CRITERIA: 

• Applicant’s who have a significant influence and impact on programming in their own country will be given priority. 
• Selection is based upon the number of applicants applying, how many are applying per program and the length of participation.
• Applicants will be selected based on the best match for the period.
• If applicants are not selected for that period, a request can be made, to be placed on a waiting list for the next period.
• Heartspring will not be responsible for providing an interpreter/translator.

FOLLOW-UP:

1. The professional from abroad (you) will come to Heartspring for training.
2. Heartspring may consider sending professionals to your program to provide further on-site training, once a relationship has become more established.

Your Goals and Objectives for participating in Heartspring’s Teacher Exchange

(Achievement of these goals may be determined based on what trainings you have chosen and length of time here). 

• An orientation to services and programs for the special needs population
• Innovative ways to utilize common resources
• Cultivating a culture of inclusion within your community
• An ongoing information exchange with Heartspring
• Access to resources that both validate and expand current personal and program goals
• Helping other programs in your own country and training other professionals in your area
• Providing resources and training to parents in your country

Practical ideas and materials you may take home:

• Catalogue(s) of therapy and educational supplies
• Hand-outs, examples and CD’s from trainings
• An opportunity to purchase educational resources used at Heartspring

WHAT TO EXPECT WHILE HERE:

• Observations (and some hands-on interactions) in Classroom settings
• Observations (and some hands-on interactions) in Group Home settings
• Observations in Heartspring’s out-patient center
• Professional Development trainings – both formal and informal, including planning and execution of site based programs as well as community outreach programs (some will be arranged specifically for you, others you may attend in a training class that is already taking place)
• Meetings and questions/answers with Heartspring staff and professionals
• Tours of 3-6 other local organizations and programs

EXAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE: 

9:00 – 11:30 AM -- Observe/interact in Classroom S123 (and meet with Special Education   Teacher)
11:30 – 12:30 -- Lunch on your own
12:30 – 1:00 PM -- Cooking Group in Classroom S120 (facilitated by Speech Therapist)
1:00 – 3:00 PM -- Psychology Training by Psychologist in the Conference Center
3:00 – 4:00 PM -- Assistive Technology Training with Speech Therapist
4:00 – 8:00 PM -- Observe/interact in Group Home 2 (and meet with Home Coordinator)
                             (eat dinner with Group Home and students/staff)

HOW TO APPLY:

The easiest way to apply is to fill out our online application. If you need to request a paper application to mail or fax, please contact us at teacherexchange@heartspring.org. Thank you!