Abako’s Executive Director, Dr. Lety Banks volunteered as a teacher trainer in Bangalore, India working with teachers of English at the Sharada Shri Public School. The Principal, Mr. Kesari Shamachar, was most welcome and enthusiastic about his teachers having the opportunity to speak English all the time while at school. His exemplary participation in meetings and training sessions modeled progressive leadership behaviors, and we thank his full support in our endeavors. 

 For four weeks, Dr. Banks had the opportunity to be part of the school community, observe PreK-10 English classes, talk to teachers, learn from them, and share teaching practices. Being embedded into the school schedule allowed Dr. Banks to observe and learn routines that make learning more effective. Students at the school learn English as a second language, and all participate in an array of extra-curricular activities to develop a whole individual.

Together, with another teacher volunteer from Cambridge, England, Dr. Banks also conducted professional development sessions to practice better questioning, praising, listening strategies, and managing of resources. 

At the end of her volunteer time and as an Abako representative, Dr. Banks distributed materials to the first and second-grade classrooms. As a token of goodwill, the school will receive a $3000 USD grant to improve classroom dynamics in 1-10 grades. 

Dr. Banks is grateful for the opportunity she had to learn with the wonderful teachers at SSPS in Bangalore.