Sponsored by the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State, the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program recognizes and encourages excellence in teaching in the U.S. and abroad. It is part of the overall Fulbright Program, which promotes mutual understanding among people of the U.S. and other countries.
The Global Teacher Programs Division of the Institute of International Education awarded $224,036 to the Center for International Education, Development and Research at the IU School of Education for its first time running the program. The Fulbright grant awarded to IU was the only one given in the U.S. this year.
Mohana Ratnam is a school staff developer at Regent Secondary School in Singapore. She has been a teacher for more than 25 years.
IDS What has your experience been like as a Fulbright Distinguished Teacher?
A The experience has been both exciting and intellectually stimulating. In fact, the journey began way before I arrived in U.S.
The online forum gave me a glimpse of U.S., particularly Bloomington and the many cultural and educational activities in IU. On arrival in Washington, the induction program was very comprehensive and we got to meet the other U.S. teachers who gave us tips and tricks to make our stay here as comfortable as possible.
CIEDR, led by Dr. Kubow, always makes sure that we are comfortable and our needs are taken care. I am also appreciative of Principal Henderson and the teachers of Bloomington High School North. They had ensured that I got the best possible experience. The Friday seminars led by Ms. Hope and Dr. Keith Barton has given me an in-depth insight into the American education system and especially the commitment to serve the underserved pupils.
IDS How does living in the United States and Indiana differ from Singapore?
A The first difference I noticed was the people. People have time for you.
Even strangers stop to give you a smile and offer to help you. I am particularly impressed by the bus drivers who greet you and in particular the bus drivers on Reserve on 3rd who make your day every time you board the bus.
The beautiful trees and space is something that is very different from my home country. However, the rich, multinational community is something that is similar, and it is great that IU embraces this diversity.
IDS How do American students differ from the ones you are accustomed to teaching?
A I must say in terms of aspiration, they are both same. Both Singapore and American students have big dreams, and they know that hard work is required to meet their goals. I like the active participation in class discussion and their spontaneous responses.
IDS What is the focus of your research project? Why does it interest you, and what is the ultimate goal you hope to accomplish from your findings?
A I wouldn’t say research but a journey to discover good practices in nurturing efficiency in teachers. High-efficiency teachers possess confidence in their ability to instruct pupils, set high expectations for pupils to succeed, persist in the face of challenges and make a difference through their relationships and instructional practices. Teachers are the key enablers for successful students, and high-efficacy teachers ensure that schools do not fail in their endeavor to mold the future generation.
IDS What is your favorite part of Bloomington? Do you have a favorite restaurant or place on campus?
A My favorite most definitely is the IU campus. It brings me to another world altogether. To be part of this amazing campus makes me feel that I am part of a larger world, a world of beauty and academia. I love the Indiana Memorial Union because I can spend hours just watching the world go by.
