Andrea Gladden, a Technical Education and Project Lead the Way teacher at East Burke Middle School, was recently selected from hundreds of applicants nationwide to participate in the Transatlantic Outreach Program fellowship in Germany.
The program offers educators the opportunity to study abroad and explore how STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) is integrated into education, industry and sustainability initiatives across Germany.
Gladden traveled with a cohort of educators from around the world from June 14 to 28. During the two-week study tour, she visited schools, businesses, universities, government offices and cultural institutions to gain a deeper understanding of contemporary Germany and how the country addresses many of the same educational and societal challenges faced in the United States.
“This was the best professional development I’ve ever experienced,” Gladden said. “I’m excited to bring what I’ve learned back to my students, colleagues and school community.”
Mike Swan, superintendent of Burke County Public Schools, praised Gladden’s selection and the impact of her experience.
“We are incredibly proud of Mrs. Gladden for representing Burke County Public Schools on an international level,” he said. “This opportunity to learn abroad not only benefits her professionally but also enriches our entire district. We look forward to the ideas and inspiration she will bring back to our schools.”
As part of the fellowship requirements, Gladden will present a professional development session at the Burke County Public Schools Digital Learning Conference. She will share insights, strategies and global perspectives gained during the study tour, with the goal of inspiring fellow educators and encouraging others to apply for similar opportunities in the future.
The Transatlantic Outreach Program is a public-private partnership between the Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Goethe-Institut and Deutsche Bank. Since 2002, the program has supported study tours for North American STEM and social studies educators as well as workforce development leaders.
