September 19, 2019

Author and education expert Teru Clavel will reveal eye-opening insight into why children in Asia outpace US students in education during a special visit to Drexel University on Thursday, October 17, 2019. Clavel, a graduate of Drexel University’s MS in Global and International Education program, documented her experience as a mother searching the globe for the best education for her child. Her journey began in New York City when her oldest child was just two years old. Teru found parents going to incredible lengths to get their child into a highly coveted preschool program. Parents would move to ideal zip codes, make donations to schools, or even join the “right” church that would improve their chances of getting their child the best education available. Teru’s world literally changed on its axis when her husband landed a new job in Hong Kong and they moved overseas to a new city and a different culture in education. Over the next ten years, Teru and her family lived in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo, enrolling her children in public school systems in each city and seeing first-hand how different cultures approach teaching and learning. Some of the schools Teru’s children attended did not have basic necessities such as heat or running water, and it was not uncommon for children to stay late at school to master the day’s lesson. According to Teru’s account, her children thrived in a system where students revered their teachers, where most school resources were allocated to teacher training and retention, and where teachers taught students to master subjects.

The true culture shock came when Teru returned to America and found their top-rated California school woefully ill-prepared to challenge her children. Her kids were passing, but the schools were failing them.

Teru’s account is detailed in her new book, World Class: One Mother’s Journey Halfway Around the Globe in Search of the Best Education for her Children. Her presentation illustrates lessons learned from her time overseas and offers parents practical tips to apply the best from Asia’s education into their child’s learning. Teru will host a book signing immediately following the event. Copies of her book will be available for purchase.

This free event is part of Drexel University School of Education’s Dean’s Lecture Series, which brings thought leaders in education to Drexel each month to speak to students, faculty, staff, and members of the community.

Event Details
Thursday, October 17, 2019
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
The Study
20 S. 33rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Seating at The Study is limited. Those interested in attending should RSVP at https://drexel.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3vNkOyP6W3xczPv. The event will also be streamed live online.

Questions about the event should be directed to Anthony Hopkins at ajh357@drexel.edu or 215-895-0900.