Inspirational women through the eyes of Fulbrighters #6

For International Women's Month, we invited Fulbrighters to share stories of some of the most inspirational women they encountered during their Fulbright grant.

Elena Brown

I had a great partner at School of Arts and Enterprise in Claremont, California. I met Miss Elena Brown a 6th grade teacher to whom I was assigned during the fellowship. I was inspired with her relationship she shared with her students in class, none felt left out. The commitment to duty was so amazing. She was ever early and prepared for her classes. The best teaching practices have since helped me to improve lesson delivery and training, that to date l appreciate the interaction. I have continued to share with others.

- Getrude Chikonde Mahachi was a 2017 cohort fellow at Claremont Graduate University. She teaches grade 8 to 12 classes, and trains and conducts Continuous Professional Development programs in school and in her district of Chongwe in Zambia.

Tina Hart

In my short term engagement with Dilworth Middle School, Nevada I met teacher Tina Hart. A few days of working together with her changed my perspective towards working in a middle school. Her never ending energy is enough to keep the students rejuvenated till the final bell rings. Her mixing of compassion and pragmatism while teaching makes the young adults feel more safe and her colleagues more considerate. Her enthusiasm is an unconventional source of energy that keeps my passion for teaching alive for a lifetime that too without getting stressed. Thanks Tina ‘magic’ Hart.

- Sayak Bhandari works in a government aided school in India and teaches students belonging to the marginal families mostly of religious minority groups.