Class of 2007

Joshua Lerner writes: “I received a Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching. I will be living in Medellín, Colombia, conducting research to understand the experiences of Venezuelan migrant families in Colombian schools. As a 14-year veteran Spanish bilingual teacher in Chicago Public Schools, I was inspired to develop this project as the result of welcoming an increasing number of Colombian and Venezuelan students in my district. Along with fellow educators, I have been part of volunteer efforts to support Venezuelan asylum seekers here in Chicago. Expected outcomes of my project include: fostering greater respect for and familiarity with the culture and language of newcomer students in Chicago, deepening of international-mindedness among Chicago students and staff, implementation of professional development on the project topic for area educators, and publication of an article in a professional journal. Accompanying me will be my wife, Emma Tai ’07.5, and our children, Isaac, 5, and Rosa, 3, who will enter Colombian kindergarten and pre-K programs while we are abroad.”