TAMIU Profs Participate in International Conference

Two Texas A&M International University faculty members joined nearly 1,000 educators from around the globe at the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) Annual International Conference & Exhibition, held April 3-6, in San Diego, CA.

Dr. Patricia Lozano, College of Education associate professor, and Dr. Linda Medearis, chair of the College's department of special populations, met with an international group of educators focusing on the ever-increasing challenge of helping children succeed as healthy, productive adults.

Drs. Lozano and Medearis presented a bilingual session on "Learning Through Community Service." The session focused on constructing meaningful community service activities, modeled learner-centered instruction and early childhood advocacy.

Conference participants were reminded of the global nature of education and learned of issues worldwide that are of shared concern.

For example, Danish officials fear that an influx of unskilled immigrants will result in future catastrophic unemployment figures; US educators are adapting to the reauthorized Elementary and Secondary Education Act; and England is concerned that its "over-directed" style of teaching will leave children unprepared in an uncertain, unpredictable world.

These issues, plus character education, parent-teacher relationships, multiculturally appropriate curriculum, assessment processes, and others, were the focus of the ACEI Conference's nearly 300 workshops, sessions, and research presentations.

"The ACEI Conference presents challenges that educators face throughout the world, and it inspires action," said Dr. Medearis, "At the Conference, we discuss solutions that, with the support of parents, communities, and legislators, encourage teachers to help all children, in every country, to have hope for the future and to fulfill their potential."

Founded in 1892, the ACEI's primary purpose is to promote the inherent rights, education, and well being of children in the home, school, and community.

ACEI publishes the award-winning publication Childhood Education as well as the Journal of Research in Childhood Education.

For more information, please contact the TAMIU Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at 326.2180. University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu