It was a summer to remember.

Whether they were teaching math at Gulu High, or Home Economics at Sacred Heart, the Teacher Exchange (TeX) participants had the unique opportunity to both teach and learn in a cross-cultural environment. Teachers from the US and Canada spent 6 weeks in Uganda, paired with Ugandan teachers at Invisible Children partner schools. The pairs partner-taught in the classrooms, while building friendships outside the classrooms. They also participated in a conference and roundtable discussions to enhance teaching capacity.

Scroll through for some snapshots of the summer highlights.

During their stay in Gulu, the teachers had the chance to shadow the IC mentors, driving with them into the field to meet with students and their parents

Team building exercise for the team-teachers at Gulu Recreation Project

Teaching in the science laboratory

Trust falls!

TeX put on a Fun Day at Lacor SS. Time for the three-legged race!

Some reflections from the participants:

Kristine Sullivan spent her time in Gulu teaching History at Gulu S.S. Because of the large class size, her greatest challenge was getting to know all her Ugandan students and developing a relationship with them. “From teaching in Uganda, I learnt how to teach many students at once,” she said. “The students here want to learn and that’s important.” Kristine says she will miss the community connection that she found in Uganda.

With her love for creativity and art, Kacee Holt was the perfect choice to teach Fine Arts at Gulu SS. She says she will miss the relaxed environment. “You can’t compare cultures or superimpose your culture because everyone has their own struggles,’’ she observed.

Apuyu Richard, a teacher of English language and literature, says he witnessed a change in many of his students over the course of the TeX program. Those who used to not participate are now actively engaged in the classroom. “I worked on becoming a dynamic teacher by using examples that are relevant to my students, involving them in group work and trying as much as possible to do away with the chalk-and-talk method of teaching,” Richard says. “This has made the learning process enjoyable for my students.”

The next phase of TeX will take place in December, when Ugandan educators head to the US and Canada to team-teach at schools there in the Reciprocal Teacher Exchange.