The GSE was excited to host two of our South African colleagues this past month: Professor Kirsty Trotter from the University KwaZulu Natal in Pietermaritzburg, and Mr. Claude de Jager, Principal of Amstelhof Primary School in Paarl.  In addition to joining the 2004 Study Tour Evening of Reflections, they visited local schools, met with teachers and principals, and gave guest lectures in several GSE classes.  Our work in South Africa came full circle with their return visit to the US. 

Prof. Trotter and Mr. de Jager inspired many of the curriculum projects completed by Fulbright and Study Tour participants, and provided a great deal of help in their development. It was rewarding for them to see the lessons in action.  Mr. de Jager also spent several days in the Plainfield public schools with the Robert B. Davis Institute for Learning, and visited the GEAR-UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) program in New Brunswick.  Mr. de Jager also took part in a “Principals’ Roundtable” facilitated by Dr. Edward Liu, Professor Educational Administration.  The roundtable discussion enabled US and South African administrators to share strategies, exchange ideas and dialogue about the challenges they face in their schools. 

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