The 2023 edition of the Fulbright Educators' Workshop, known as "Train the Trainers," featured a series of online presentations by American and Greek speakers. The workshop focused on college preparation and social-emotional learning, aiming to connect tertiary and secondary education and foster collaboration among educators. The event primarily targeted Fulbright Greece alumni from programs such as the Study of the United States Institutes, the George Mason University Professional Development Program, and the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching program. These alumni, along with teachers and administrators from secondary public schools in Greece, were invited to participate. More than 30 participants engaged in interactive learning sessions and fruitful exchange.

The workshop included two virtual sessions held on May 10 and 11, 2023. The first session centered on college preparation for high school students, while the second session focused on trauma-informed social-emotional learning. Each session featured presentations by a Fulbright Scholar, a Fulbright Distinguished Teacher, and an invited guest speaker.

Here is an overview of the speakers and their topics for each session:

Part I: WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2023 – 5:30-8:00 p.m

College Preparation  

Gordana Mirchikj, Guest Speaker | EducationUSA Regional Educational Advisors Coordinator
Topic: EducationUSA: Supporting Students and Teachers in the Region

Meredith McGinnis, U.S. Fulbright Distinguished Teacher |Teacher of Social Studies, John Overton High School, Nashville, TN
Topic: Landscapes of Post-Secondary Preparation 

Kristian Stewart, U.S. Fulbright Scholar | Teaching Professor of Composition and Rhetoric, University of Michigan, Dearborn, MI
Topic: Teaching Cross-Cultural Understanding Through Digital Storytelling

Part II: THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 – 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Social Emotional Learning

Jori Krulder, U.S. Fulbright Distinguished Teacher | Teacher of English & Department Chair, Paradise High School, Paradise, CA
Topic: Engaging Students from the Very First Minute of Class: How to use emotions to connect your students to learning

Vasiliki Kouskouna, Greek Fulbright Scholar | Professor of Seismology, Geology and Geoenvironment, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Topic: Prepare for the earthquake! “The Earthquake Suitcase”

Celine Mudahakana, Guest Speaker | Ph.D. Student in Special Education, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA | Teach For America Member
Topic: Building Resilience Through Trauma-Informed SEL Strategies: Empowering Teachers to Create Safe, Supportive Learning Environments         

The presentations were designed to be interactive and engaging, providing the attending educators with valuable information, inspiration, and practical advice.

^{Photo Credit: EducationUSA}