SMART Community Review (SCR) Teacher education in Finland | Page 5

SMART EDUCATION EXCHANGE (SEE) - 2017 TELE REPORT “International Educator Exchange is critical in Professional Workforce Development” SMART Education Exchange (SEE) SMART Learning Solutions 2017 Report st Century Methods New Learning Solutions from Finland 21 st Century Skills with 21 Suvi Sundquist, Tekes Pre- school K-12 Higher education Vocational training Corporate training Leisure www.SMARTEducationReview.com May 1, 2017, Atlanta, Georgia --- The success of SMART Education Exchange was experienced again at the 4th Annual Transatlantic Education Leadership Exchange (TELE) 2017 Summit at Georgia Department of Education in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to an education delegation from Finland, we were honored to be hosted by the Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods. MEET the SPEAKERS HERE, TELE 2017 HERE, First Lady of Georgia HERE, Minister of Education Finland HERE. Key questions from TELE 2017 participants were 1. How Georgia Schools can host Finnish Educators for 6 weeks at no cost to Georgia Schools 2. How Georgia Educators can participate in international SMART Education Exchange and Trade Missions 3. How Georgia Schools can participate in Scandinavian American Foundation of Georgia Fundraising Program 5. How Educators and Administrators across Latin America can participate and benefit from SMART Education Exchange 6. How individuals and organizations participate and host SMART Education Trade Missions As a result, a SMART Education Exchange (SEE) 2018-19 program was created to expand Educator and Educational Technology Exchange between Finland and the state of Georgia 2. A fundraising program was created by Scandinavian American Foundation of Georgia, to raise much needed funds for the Education Exchange program between the state of Georgia and Scandinavia 3. A Trade Mission from U.S. to Finland is planned for September 3-7, 2017 4. A SMART Education Exchange Colombia was established, and an international education trade mission to Colombia is planned for July 2017 (dates to be decided) 5. SMART Education Exchange (SEE) Trade Mission program 2017-18 was created between U.S. and Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. 6. All TELE 2017 participants will be invited to participate in SEE Trade Missions, to expand Educator and Educational Technology collaboration between U.S. and Scandinavia. Today the Christian Heritage School, Dalton, Georgia is hosting the first SEE Teacher from Finland for 6 weeks, at no cost to the school. “I am excited to share my expertise in Finnish Education and also to learn from the US Teachers, especially about private schools, which are rare in Finland.”, Kirsi Silonsaari, Teacher, Schildt School, Finland. “Georgia looks forward to expanding International Sister Classrooms with Finland in the future and we look forward to visiting Finland and learning more about their education system.“, Richard Woods, Georgia State Superintendent. “I learned the importance of understanding International Cultures as it relates to education and continue to share my experiences gained while living and studying in Finland.” , Rick Huizinga, Fullbright Scholar, Emory University. “We look forward to expanding the SMART Education Exchange between the U.S. and Scandinavia, and supporting the program through a new Fundraising Program for Schools”, Minna LeVine, President, Scandinavian American Foundation of Georgia, and “Business for Education” partner program, President, Finnish American Chamber of Commerce Southeast, Founder SEE. “SMART Education Exchange continues to expand our Business for Education program to engage more Business Leaders across communities where SEE operates. We look forward to more collaboration with the Georgia Department of Education International programs, Economic Development liaison and the Superintendent’s office.”, said Tana Torrano, CEO, MarketVision, Founder SEE. State School Superintendent Richard Woods creates Economic Development Liaison position HERE The SEE Trade Missions and Summits will continue to bring together School, Business, Government, and Non-Government and Nonprofit Organization Leaders. With the SEE program, preK-12 Educators and Business, Government and non-Government and Nonprofit Organization Leaders will have an extraordinary opportunity to effectively learn from each other and improve their skills, and together develop 21st century jobs. If you consider participating in the SMART Education Exchange program, please contact Tana Torrano, [email protected]