College for Education and Engaged Learning Welcomes Future Educators From South Korea to Montclair

Future educators from South Korea traveled over 7,000 miles to visit the College for Education and Engaged Learning (CEEL) and its partner school districts to gain first-hand experience and an understanding of American educational practices.

This winter, CEEL’s Center for Education, Innovation & Strategic Partnerships (CEISP) hosted three Busan National University of Education clinical interns preparing to become elementary school teachers in South Korea. CEISP leads strategic collaborations to enhance learning environments and foster collaborative partnerships across diverse educational landscapes in New Jersey and beyond.

Marilyn Davis, Director of CEISP, and Jesse Ha, Assistant Professor (Department of Teaching and Learning & School of Computing), welcomed the students and their advisor, Professor Dr. Dongwon Lee, to visit two partner districts within Montclair State University Network for Educational Renewal (MSUNER): Orange High School and Catherine A. Dwyer Elementary School (Rockaway Township School District); as well as Anna C. Scott Elementary School (Leonia Public Schools).

Jesse Ha spoke of the clinical interns’ visit and the future of partnerships with Busan National University of Education: “This is the first visit that will lead to the eventual long-term partnership between Busan National University of Education. We envision not only exchanging students and having reciprocal summer programs, but we also see this partnership leading to transfer agreements with many Busan students coming to Montclair to pursue a master’s degree in education. Moreover, we have already found school districts willing to hire these potential teachers even though they are South Korean citizens through different hiring pathways, thus helping to meet NJ’s dire need for teachers in the coming decade.”

Students and faculty from partner districts welcomed their visitors to share their South Korean heritage, traditions, educational approaches, and personal stories.

Marilyn Davis spoke of CEEL’s plans to collaborate with Busan National University of Education through the new “Collective for English Language and American Culture (CELAC),” bringing 20 teacher education majors from South Korea to Montclair State University for a four-week program every July. 

This program will immerse the visiting students in English language training and American cultural studies, further strengthening the international partnership. They will be housed on the nearby Bloomfield College of Montclair State University campus, creating a close-knit community for cultural exchange.

Davis added, “Initiatives like this build educational bridges between the two institutions and exemplify the global mindset necessary to prepare future educators. By fostering a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and practices, the partnership empowers educators to adopt innovative approaches that resonate across various educational contexts.” 

The College for Education and Engaged Learning is committed to representing Montclair State University as a leader in international education and looks forward to welcoming Busan National University of Education teacher education students in the coming years.

Story by Social Media and Communications Coordinator Lauren Conforti