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Whitworth to host International Education Forum Nov. 20, featuring Concie Pedroza

November 17, 2014

In honor of International Education Week, Nov. 17-21, the Whitworth School of Education will present the seventh annual International Education Forum on Thursday, Nov. 20. The event’s keynote speaker is Concie Pedroza, principal of Seattle World School; the forum will include Pedroza’s address, a cultural presentation, and four workshops.

The event is free and open to the public, and will take place from 6-8:30 p.m. in the Robinson Teaching Theatre in Weyerhaeuser Hall at Whitworth University. For more information, please call 509.777.3228.

“This year’s International Education Forum is a time to celebrate the beauty of diversity while gaining insight from the shared stories of our diverse presenters,” says Roberta Wilburn, associate dean of the School of Education. “Our keynote speaker, Concie Pedroza, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, which will enlighten and increase your global perspective. It is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.”

Seattle World School comprises 300 students who speak up to 40 languages. The school focuses on supporting English language learners of all levels and providing a unique global learning experience. Pedroza began her career in education as a bilingual orientation teacher at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, in Seattle, and has since served as the principal for both Orca K-8, in Seattle, and Jefferson Elementary, in Everett Public Schools. Not only does Pedroza possess valuable experience working with the global dimension on an educational level,  she also has firsthand experience as the daughter of migrant workers from Mexico and Texas and understands the challenges faced by children of a socio-economic, cultural or linguistic minority.

In addition to the annual forum, this week is Cultural Awareness Week at Whitworth, which will conclude with the International Festival dinner and entertainment on Friday, Nov. 21, at 5 p.m. in the Hixson Union Building Dining Hall. Students with meal plans are free. General admission is $10. Tickets can be purchased at the HUB Info Desk.

International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. State Department and U.S. Department of Education. The goal of the initiative is to prepare Americans to be globally competent and successful international citizens.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contact:

Chaune Schafer, program assistant for graduate studies in education, Whitworth University, (509) 777-3228 or cschafer@whitworth.edu.

Lucas Beechinor, media relations manager, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or lbeechinor@whitworth.edu.