On Monday, November 26, four teachers from the Des Moines area, from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, described their experiences in coming to Iowa and eventually becoming educators in Iowa’s K-12 public schools. From Student to Teacher: Diverse Perspectives on Identity Change and Cultural Adaptation was co-sponsored by The Principal Financial Group Center for Global Citizenship and the Drake University School of Education.
Featured speakers included Ms. Clemencia Spizzirri, Mr. Eduardo Diaz-Cardensas, Ms. Mirela Enderton, and Ms. Elvira Mehic. Their insight and advice for those who work with individuals from culturally dissimilar backgrounds was shared with over 35 attendees including 19 Language and Culture students from the School of Education. Their message was very well received.