Volume X Number 1 Winter 2002

NEWS ABOUT FELLOWS/USA Four Blocks From Ground Zero: Columbia Fellow FellowsShares Personal Accounts of September 11

Reprinted from the October 2001 Peace Corps Fellows Times Newsletter of Teachers College, Columbia University. By Amy Steffes Tuesday morning started off We immediately went to the how horrible that this hap- (Jamaica 1997-99) as any other normal day. I window and saw people run- pened. I returned to my Fellow, Teachers College, changed my outfit three ning through the streets. We classroom to close the Columbia University times and then decided the looked up at the WTC north shades, because my room red pants made me look too tower and saw a hole and a faced the north and I was fat, and even though I just lot of smoke coming out of concerned the smoke would had them taken in, I would the top. A parent came into distract my students. Then, take them back to the seam- the office and said it was a the second blast was heard. stress. I got to school at 7:45 plane that hit the WTC, and We could not see the south- a.m. My school, as many of we were told it was an acci- facing building, so we saw you may not know, was lo- dent. All teachers without a only debris. We assured the cated four blocks north of class were told to go to the students that it was from the the World Trade Center. I got classrooms with students and plane that hit the north-fac- to school and put my lunch calm everyone down—it was ing building. in the fridge and greeted the just an accident. I went to a students. I then went down classroom with students, and Shortly after the second to the second floor to make we discussed calmly the trag- blast, we evacuated the photocopies of the homework edy just outside our door. I students into the cafeteria. assignment that I was giving was saying how sad it was Parents were running into to my students when I heard that the pilot obviously must the school and taking their the first blast. have had a heart attack and children out of the school

Dear Readers: “Goodbye, 1980 (or whatever given rise to unprecedented nership will seek both to teach As this issue of Fellows the year)!” they would ex- opportunities for Peace Corps and to learn more—in more goes to press, we are off and claim after me. Fellows to open conversations depth—about those who live running into year “2K2,” but Of course, no day or month that can begin to help Ameri- oceans and miles apart from when we started conceptualiz- comes back either, just the cans understand other peoples us in other countries. It is so ing Volume X, Number 1, we names. And the first year of and cultures of the world. clear that those distant lives were approaching the end of the 21st century was one This is of course the third are inextricably bound up the old year. I was recalling many in our country would goal of the Peace Corps’ mis- with ours by “family ties” — telling my children on many a not want to see again even if sion to promote world peace those of the human family. New Year’s Eve, “The days we could; the terrors of Sep- and friendship. The need for May we recognize and honor come back, the months come tember are still etched so such understanding has never this reality. back, but not the years — the deeply in our individual been more urgent. Peace, old year never comes back memories and in the national I hope that in 2002 each of again! Goodbye, 1980!” psyche. Yet these events have us in the Fellows/USA part- Michele Cisco Titi, Ph.D. Greetings from Peace Corps Fellows/USA Director, Peace Corps Fellows/USA PRO GRAM U P D A T E S

continued from page 1 building. The teachers were what I would see. There was that it will fall down, not to asking them to remain calm ash everywhere and as we the side. Remember when it and told them to quietly sign headed up the Westside fell? No one was there. It fell out their children. Everyone Highway, we heard an into itself so no one was hurt.” was quiet. Some students were incredible CRACK. We turned asking us, “How can you keep around and saw the north Eventually, I called home and us here? The building is going tower fall. It was unbeliev- found out the Pentagon was Peace Corps to fall on us.” “My mom/dad/ able. My coworker looked at hit, too. By then, most of the cousin/friend/neighbor works me and we just turned around students were gone. Finally, Fellows/USA in the WTC.” We replied in and told the students to keep my co-workers and I dis- calm voices that everyone moving…no one was speak- cussed the magnitude of the Fellows newsletter is mailed to was taken out of the building ing, we were all stunned…the event only in terms of how it Peace Corps Fellows and alumni, after the first crash, and images I remember were all would change the United Fellows/USA program coordinators and community partners, and do- everyone was fine. the people looking in disbelief States. We said war. If you mestic and overseas Peace Corps and walking solemnly away. were watching the news, my staff. Fellows is always looking for Slowly (maybe quickly), The kids were asking us if we school was the one beside the story ideas! parents started becoming more thought anyone had escaped. white archway they kept Michele Titi, Ph.D. frantic, and we noticed people We kept saying, “Yes, they are showing. It was to the right Director running past the building. I trained to save everyone, and side of the highway, next to ext. 1442, [email protected] decided to go back to my they were evacuated immedi- the Hudson River. They were room to get my purse. My co- ately.” All the while, I was using the building as a rest Cary Ballou, Ph.D. Associate Director worker came with me, and we praying “Hail Marys” like a stop for the emergency ext. 1432, [email protected] never said a word. I noticed I mantra. workers. could see nothing out of my Natalie Richardson windows. My radio was on We walked two miles to Because we didn’t have Program Assistant and it seemed so loud that I another grade school. The school until the following ext. 1438, turned it off. We went back emergency vehicles were Monday, I left town to be [email protected] downstairs, and the bomb zooming by and we had to with my aunt in Maryland. I squad and police department cross the road. We did it in was and still am very dis- Gina Wynn Marketing Coordinator; were in the cafeteria yelling shifts. Then we got to the tressed along with the whole Newsletter Editor that we had to move out school. We waited for the United States. ext. 1434, [email protected] quickly. The teachers were parents to come get their trying to organize the students children. While we waited, Manuel Sanchez in class order. We walked we talked, and some students Student Assistant quickly out the north side of were asking me, “Isn’t the ext. 1435, [email protected] the building. WTC on wheels? They probably moved the building Visit, call, or write Peace Corps People were all over, run- to let the people out.” Then Fellows/USA at: ning—but it was incredibly they said, “Do you think that quiet. I only remember anything fell on our apart- 1111 20th St., NW images as we exited. I must ment buildings?” I said, “Oh Washington, D.C., 20526 say that I did not want to no, engineers are so smart 1-800-424-8580 ext. 1440 Fax: 202-692-1422 leave because I was afraid of they built that building so AMY STEFFES E-mail: [email protected] www.peacecorps.gov/fellows PRO GRAM U P D A T E S Hopi High Hailed as RPCV Magnet

Located in the middle of the been wisely used and in- ducing teachers, (Fellows/ By Saundra Schimmelpfennig Hopi Reservation in Northern vested. Because of this USA) is as good as I’ve ever (Thailand 1997-99) Arizona, Hopi Junior/Senior change in funding, materials seen,” he said. “The Peace Fellow, Northern Arizona High School, a decade ago, and technology are now Corps experience of teaching University suffered from many of the available for the teachers as in a different culture plays same problems as other reser- needed. hand in hand with living in vation schools. It had a high an isolated area.” turnover of both teachers and Second, the administration administrators, low test stabilized. Previously, the One last but very important scores, little technology, and school had 15 principals in thing I discovered in writing few supplies. Today that has nine years and a 90 percent this article is that RPCVs and all changed. In fact, Hopi turnover rate for teachers. PCFs improve the school High attracts and keeps so Our current superintendent, Paul Reynolds, Ph.D., and many Peace Corps Fellows During the past eight years, (PCFs) and RPCVs who are principal, Dave Herbert, 18 RPCVs and PCFs have not Fellows that the term Ph.D., both began working at “Mecca Effect” was coined by Hopi High at about the same worked at Hopi High, and Gary Robson in his doctoral time the school changed most have stayed more dissertation on the Northern from a BIA to a grant school. than the two years required Arizona University (NAU) The two have worked very for the program. Fellows program. During the diligently to improve the past eight years, 18 RPCVs school. They have made stu- through activities that are and PCFs have worked at dent performance, quality the equivalent of Peace Corps Hopi High, and most have staff, and teacher resources secondary projects. Current stayed more than the two a priority. The result of their RPCVs or PCFs started the years required for the pro- combined effort is teachers after-school tutoring pro- gram. The current number of who are content to stay and gram and the honors math RPCVs and PCFs teaching at work at the school. This last program. They lead the spe- the school is eight (one-fifth year saw a turnover rate of cial education pre-referral of the teaching staff), with only 10 percent. process, oversee the GATE half of those having stayed program, and serve as de- six years or more. I am also Finally, the Peace Corps Fel- partment heads, helping to in my third year of teaching lows program at NAU began guide the direction of the on a reservation. I transferred during this same period. I in- school. to Hopi High from another terviewed several people school because of the reputa- about the Fellows program, Hopi Junior/Senior High tion it has in the Fellows including non-Fellow RPCV School has turned itself community. teachers, and their opinions around, and we are all proud were unanimously positive. of the results. Peace Corps Three events coincided to The general perception is Fellows have played an im- create this amazing change. that Peace Corps Fellows portant role in this transfor- First, the school was changed care. “That is the crux of mation and will continue to from a Bureau of Indian Af- teaching and why the Fel- do so as each year brings fairs (BIA) school controlled lows Program works,” said new Fellows to the school. through the federal govern- one longtime Fellow. “It’s a ment, to a locally controlled natural match.” grant/charter school. This al- lowed for more local decision Herbert is also a strong sup- making and created new porter of the program. “As funding sources, which have far as an organization pro- Dave Herbert, Ph.D., is principal at Hopi Junior/Senior High. Congratulations to Patrick ceive one. “The presentation of Cairo Honors Welch of Seattle, Washington, the plaque may not have been who received an award for that big a deal, but it meant a Fellow for his “unswerving service” to lot to me,” he said. Dedicated the community of Cairo, Illi- nois, and the Cairo Chamber According to Welch, he re- Service of Commerce during his ceived the award because of 2000– 2002 Peace Corps Fel- his ability to maintain focus lowship through Illinois State in his work with the Cairo University. Chamber of Com- Chamber of Commerce and a merce President Mike federal empowerment zone Hileman presented him with a program called the Southern- plaque at the annual Chamber most Illinois Delta Empower- Cairo is located at the meeting in the spring of ment Zone (SIDEZ), despite southernmost tip of Illinois, 2001. the numerous obstacles, bordered by both Missouri changes, letdowns, and fund- and Kentucky. It is also at the Although other Cairo residents ing shortfalls he experienced. confluence of the Mississippi and Chamber members also As a returned Peace Corps and Ohio Rivers. Because of received awards, Welch Volunteer (Sierra Leone these rivers, the Cairo area said he was the only 1981-1984) adhering to the once had the busiest “outsider” to re- Peace Corps philosophy, he riverboat and waterway did whatever he could to transportation industries in contribute to the develop- the nation. Currently, how- ment and economy of ever, Cairo is in a severe his community. community and economic development crisis.

Cairo, Illinois, where Welch completed his internship, is in a severe community and economic development crisis.

President Bush presided over support for the Peace Corps. countries; Peace Corps senior Peace Corps the swearing in of the Peace His administration has staff members; and several Welcomes New Corps’ 16th Director, Gaddi challenged the Nation to currently serving Peace Vasquez, on February 15. commit to volunteer service Corps Volunteers. Leadership Judge Alberto Gonzales, in the Peace Corps, Counsel to the President AmeriCorps, or the Citizens In a subsequent ceremony, swore in the Peace Corps’ Corps. President Bush also held in the Director’s Office first Hispanic American emphasized his support for of the Peace Corps, Vasquez Director in a ceremony held doubling the number of administered the oath of in the White House Oval Peace Corps Volunteers over office to , the Office. The ceremony was the next five years. Deputy Director of the Peace witnessed by his wife, Elaine, Corps. and his son, Jason. Among the numerous guests in attendance were Secretary How did you spend Peace Corps Following the swearing-in of Labor ; Day 2002? Send your story to ceremony, President Bush Secretary of Housing and [email protected]. It may introduced Vasquez as the Urban Development Mel appear in a future issue of Fellows. Director of the Peace Corps Martinez; U.S. Representa- in the Briefing Room of the tives Thomas Petri and Eisenhower Executive Office Christopher Cox; first Building (OEOB). In his Director of the Peace Corps introductory remarks, ; foreign President Bush reiterated his dignitaries from a number of If I could recommend one • believing all students can thinking and abilities; and Dreamkeepers book to Peace Corps Volun- succeed; 5) effective teaching involves teers who are considering • helping students make in-depth knowledge of both Learn to Teach teaching in an urban school connections between their the students and the subject back in the U.S., or to Peace community, national, and matter (pp. 123-125). Multicultural Corps Fellows who are global identities; Students teaching in inner-city • encouraging a community The returned Peace Corps schools, it would be The of learners and expecting Volunteer who is highlighted Dreamkeepers: Successful students to collaboratively in this book “had her first Teachers of African Ameri- teach each other and take contact with Black people as By Rosemary Traoré can Children, by Gloria responsibility for each a teacher in West Africa.” (Central African Republic Ladson-Billings. other; and The RPCV “describes her 1976-79) • seeing teaching as an art experience of teaching In this book, Ladson-Billings and themselves as artists, African and African-Ameri- profiles eight successful “digging knowledge out” can students as ‘transforma- teachers, one of whom is a of students (pp. 44-70). tive.’” She is quick to point Returned Peace Corps out the value of kinship Volunteer. Ladson-Billings A culturally relevant school, relations that she has learned argues that teachers do not according to Ladson-Billings, from her students and asserts World Wise have to be African American provides educational self- that she “has never met an to teach African-American determination, honors and unsuccessful student” (p. 45). Schools Offers children successfully, nor do respects the students’ home New Teaching they have to be Latino to cultures, helps the students This book gives us as RPCVs teach Latino children, but understand the world as it is, the opportunity to remind Resource they do have to be culturally and equips them to change it ourselves of what we learned relevant. To be culturally for the better. The teacher- adjusting to the culture of The Paul D. Coverdell World relevant, teachers first must student relationship is fluid the people of our country of Wise Schools (CWWS) program be culturally aware, and and “humanely equitable” service. We gained far more was created by the Peace Corps understand they have a (pp. 137-139). than we gave. Teaching in 1989 to provide American culture that may not be the students of other cultures is educators with resources that engage students in inquiry same as that of their stu- She proposes the following also an opportunity to gain about the world, themselves, dents. Second, teachers have tenets to follow: more than we give. and others in order to promote to be attentive to their 1) when students are treated peace, understanding, and students’ cultures and find as competent, they are For further reading on this service. ways to make learning likely to demonstrate topic, I recommend two other Inspire Your Students, culturally appropriate, competence; books that are inspirational connected to who they are 2) when teachers provide and practical for teachers: Try Service Learning and where they are from. instructional “scaffolding,” Teachers as Cultural Workers: CWWS has developed a new students can move from Letters to Those Who Dare to Web-based service learning Ladson-Billings asked what they know to what Teach, by Paulo Freire, and module that gives educators parents, administrators and they need to know; The Courage To Teach: and students the tools and resources to plan, develop, students for the names of the 3) the focus of the classroom Exploring the Inner Landscape create, perform, and evaluate a best teachers in an eight- must be instructional; of a Teacher’s Life, by Parker service-learning project. This school district in Northern 4) real education is about J. Palmer. new section of the CWWS Web . The lists were extending students’ site features service-learning identical. After interviewing project ideas, lesson plans, guides to standards, and links teachers and observing them to useful service-learning sites. for more than a year, she Stories and tips from returned found they share common Peace Corps Volunteers will characteristics of cultural inspire your students to make a relevance: difference in their schools and • cultivating relationships communities. To learn more visit: www.peacecorps.gov/ with their students beyond wws/service or call the boundaries of the 1-800-424-8580, ext. 1450. classroom; FELLOWS / U S A N E W S

Representatives of 12 of the program but not enrolled their attention since the Coordinators participating Fellows/USA (report results are on page 7). events of 9/11. He acknowl- universities attended a Coordinators again talked edged that the current Meet in coordinators’ meeting in about the need for increased reduction in job opportunities ‘Charming’ Baltimore “Charm City”, financial support. With the is likely to make Fellows/USA Maryland, from October 31 to large number of returning even more important to Baltimore November 2, 2001. The Volunteers each year (about returning Volunteers. annual meeting gives pro- 3,500) and a significant gram coordinators the portion interested in gradu- Nadine Hathaway (RPCV, opportunity to share ideas on ate school, Fellows/USA Lithuania), Meridian program program management and should increase its enroll- and resource development resources, acquire up-to-date ment based on survey consultant, gave a thorough information on Peace Corps findings and recommenda- and practical overview of and Fellows/USA issues, and tions, including expanding fundraising. She engaged the plan future activities. the offerings academically coordinators in several and geographically, increas- exercises designed to sharpen At the opening session, Lloyd ing financial support, their skills, and provided Pierson, acting deputy broadening recruitment related handouts. Convocation to director of the Peace Corps, activities, and making it provided comments on the easier for PCVs and RPCVs to David Povey, Ph.D., coordina- Complement current status of the agency get information. tor emeritus of the Fellows/ and his perspectives on USA program at the Univer- NPCA Event Fellows/USA. He said that he Gina Wynn, marketing sity of Oregon, presented the looks forward to welcoming coordinator, outlined basic results of a survey adminis- The 12th annual Fellows/USA as the new marketing needs, goals, tered in 2001 to current Convocation will be held im- Peace Corps director and targets, tips, and strategies, Fellows. Results showed what mediately before the National Jody Olson as deputy direc- and pointed out successful Fellows appreciate about the Peace Corps Association tor, and expected that their examples. She described program, including the (NPCA) Conference celebrating confirmation by the Senate plans for the next few opportunity to provide Peace Corps’ 40th anniversary would be completed soon. months, such as improving service, earn a reduced-cost “plus one” in Washington, D.C. The Peace Corps is expecting the Web site, publishing graduate degree, network in The NPCA Conference starts its largest budget appropria- newsletters, updating the their chosen field, and open June 20, 2002; the Fellows/ tion ever ($275 million), and program catalogue, creating possibilities for future USA Convocation dates will be Pierson believes the increase a program development employment. Monday, June 17, through in funding should be used to guide for potential partner Wednesday, June 19. Please promote the “third goal” of universities, and expanding Fellows/USA Director Michele note that this June Convoca- the agency, under which media coverage. Coordinators Titi, Ph.D., updated the group tion date is for 2002 only, to Fellows/USA falls. Pierson said that recruitment efforts on the “white paper” that had encourage participation of wanted to learn more about at the upcoming Peace Corps been conceptualized at the more Fellows – particularly Fellows/USA. Among the 40th anniversary “plus one” Fellows/USA Convocation last those who wish to attend the responses were requests for activities would be useful. spring. She distributed a draft NPCA Conference – in the additional budget support, with an invitation for coordi- Convocation. with suggestions that funds Steven Weinberg, M.D., J.D., nators to comment. Titi be used for increased Volun- newly appointed associate advised the coordinators that teer post-service support, director for Volunteer Fellows/USA had submitted a conferences, marketing, and Support, the division in proposal for fellowship tuition and stipends for which Fellows/USA is funding to the Jack Kent Fellows. housed, also met the coordi- Cooke Foundation, and that a nators. A strong believer in response was expected in Cary Ballou, Ph.D., associate academics, he said the new early 2002. director of Fellows/USA, Peace Corps administration is reported on a survey recently firmly committed to Fellows/ Ballou spoke about the administered to RPCVs who USA, although there are possibility of Fellows/USA have inquired about the other things commanding being featured on the Public continued from page 6

Broadcasting System Vision- Initial funding must first be partnerships with the Corpo- aries series, which profiles secured, and it is hoped that ration for National Service, organizations working to production will be completed the Department of Education, create positive social change. by the 2003 season. and other organizations and A half-hour production agencies. highlighting several of the In response to two questions programs would increase the posed by Titi, coordinators A detailed report on the visibility of both Fellows/ acknowledged that (1) meeting was distributed Manny Sanchez USA and the Peace Corps. A Fellows/USA could do more electronically to program short video also would be to promote Peace Corps’ third coordinators. Sanchez Joins created to help with recruit- goal, and (2) it might be ing and fund-raising efforts. beneficial to form closer Fellows/USA as Student Assistant Survey Investigates ‘Why They DIDN’T Enroll’ The Peace Corps Fellows/USA staff has welcomed Manny A survey with returned Peace plines. Business, law, and 19.9 percent cited Sanchez to its team for the Corps Volunteers who have policy fields also were cited. printed materials, 2001-2002 academic year. inquired about Fellows/USA Many inquirers were looking although they did not Originally from Michigan, and have not enrolled was for programs in the West or state the source of those Sanchez is a student assistant conducted in Summer 2001. Midwest, although sought- materials. from The George Washington The purpose of the survey after locations crossed the University (GWU). His primary was to determine the reasons country broadly. Many stated Although a relatively small focus during his time at the for their non-enrollment in they were looking for a number (7.4 percent) indi- Peace Corps will be working order to improve the program particular field and location, cated they got information with databases and responding and attract more enrollees. and Fellows/USA did not offer from the Fellows/USA Web to RPCV inquiries. The survey was mailed in the desired combination. site, outside anecdotal June to 2,234 inquirers, and evidence suggests this In his third year at GWU, 376 responded, for a response Other findings included: number is on the rise. Nearly Sanchez is working toward his rate of 16.8 percent, giving • Inquiry about and enroll- one in 10 said they did not degree in international affairs. the results a good degree of ment in Fellows/USA is get information about the validity. widely distributed among program in time or they He also brings Capitol Hill Volunteers’ countries of found it difficult to get experience to Fellows/USA, Most inquirers did not enroll service. information. having worked as an intern for because they could not find • Most inquiries (79.5 his senator from Michigan, programs in the academic percent) came from Volun- Recommendations include Spencer Abraham, who is now field and/or geographic teers who completed their expanding Fellows/USA to the U.S. Secretary of Energy. location they were seeking service in the last five offer a broader array of (38.6 percent and 26.1 years. opportunities. New programs Through these activities and his percent respectively), and one • Most inquirers learned are unlikely to compete with work with Fellows/USA, in five (20.2 percent) enrolled about Fellows/USA while existing ones since most Sanchez is making the most of in another graduate program. they were Volunteers. inquirers are not enrolling his time in the nation’s capital. In addition, one in five 17.3 percent cited in- because they cannot find a With no pressure from Peace inquirers (20.2 percent) stated country staff, resources, program that is suitable for Corps staff, of course, he says that the financial benefits of or events as their source them academically and/or he has not ruled out becoming the program were insuffi- of information. geographically. It is therefore a Peace Corps Volunteer some cient, and about one-fourth 16.8 percent cited their recommended that Fellows/ day and a future Peace Corps (26.3 percent) sought employ- Close-of-Service Confer- USA be expanded to addi- Fellow! ment instead. ences. tional academic fields, 10.1 percent cited word especially in health- and Although a wide variety of of mouth or other PCVs science-related disciplines, academic fields were sought, or RPCVs, although it and that geographic diversity a large number of RPCVs was not clear whether be expanded. Additional indicated interest in health- this was before, during, funding support is also and science-related disci- or after service. recommended. CALL FOR PAPERS Fellows/USA Seeks Teacher Submissions Partners in Fellows/USA monograph volumes on Below is a list of suggested teacher education programs Change and Institutional- topics. Submissions are not are invited to submit ization, because of the lack limited to these: articles of professional and of response to these topics, scholarly interest for a we have decided to publish • Teacher retention spring 2002 publication on one volume of articles • Reflections on first year teaching-related topics focusing on both scholarly teaching experiences supported by the Wallace- research and teaching • Best practices of new Reader’s Digest Funds. practice instead. All of the teachers (teaching tips Authors may be individual content is to come from the and survival skills) Fellows, faculty, university Fellows/USA program • Reports on research administrators, program experience, and is to be of projects coordinators, Fellows/USA use and interest to teachers • Institutionalization alumni, school system and teacher educators. community partners or Contact Gina Wynn at collaborative teams of such We will consider papers [email protected] for persons. that have already been guidelines or to submit a submitted for course work proposal. Final submissions Although we originally or that have been presented should be e-mailed to Wynn planned to publish two at conferences. by March 29, 2002.

Peace Corps Fellows/USA Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters 1111 20th Street NW, 2nd Floor Washington, DC 20526 www.peacecorps.gov/fellows Official Business Penalty for Private Use Address Correction Requested

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