Visiting international faculty begin classes at Elon

The 13 teachers from Asia and South America have started their studies to earn teacher licensure, which will ultimately lead them to apply to the university's Master of Education program.

Thirteen English teachers from South America and Asia have started a yearlong program at Elon University with the goal of earning their licensure in elementary education.

Monday marked the first day or orientation and class activities for the scholars. Upon earning their initial licensure, the international faculty will apply for admission to Elon’s Master of Education program.

The teachers, referred to as VIF teacher residents, have been approved to participate through the North Carolina-based VIF International Education program. According to its website, since its founding, VIF has sponsored and placed more than 10,000 educators from dozens of nations in classrooms throughout 10 states.

VIF participants include:

Anir Romero Peralta
Cynthias Gonzalez
Diana Ramirez Lemus
Jaime Osorno
Jhonatan Marin Mesa
Julieth Cohen
Laura Fonesca
Paula Martinez
Tatiana Alvarez
Yao Linyong
Yeimi Cabrera
Yuri Stella Ospina
Paola Contreras

Orientation activities took place primarily in Mooney building and in Lindner Hall. The visiting faculty received basic Moodle training, toured campus, received their Elon identification cards and met Elon faculty with whom they will work over the next year.