MANSFIELD – Most university students at York St. John in York, United Kingdom, were were enjoying their winter break when 2026 dawned. But six special students were checking boarding passes and passports, and packing suitcases bound for Mansfield, Ohio.
From Jan. 3 through 17, these six preservice teachers are staying locally with host families as they learn about the culture of the United States and its educational system.
Students have been paired with a classroom teacher, and have a checklist of activities designed by Head of School, Simon Clark, who set up the exchange with his alma mater after an alumni event in New York City.
“It’s been a privilege to support the next generation of teachers through this intercultural visit,” Clark said. “During their time at Discovery School we wanted to provide them with as much opportunity as possible for collaboration and knowledge sharing to give them a diverse and enriching experience.
“Our students have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know our guests and learning from them. This international experience has proved to be enriching for our Wolfpack community.”
“We all taught a lesson about ourselves, and the students loved it!” said Erin Barker, from Doncaster, who is paired with Discovery’s 3rd grade.
She and Katie Grace, from Leeds, are in their second international experience teaching, having spent time in Kenya together previously.
In their teachers’ lessons, students learned about their student teacher’s favorite foods, their family, the town they live in, and the UK in general.
“They had so many questions and are so excited,” added Maisie Cobbett, from Hertfordshire, who shared special tourist spots like the London Eye with students.
Discovery students added to the lessons with knowledge they had gained from previous lessons with Mr. Simon and their own research about the UK.
“It’s been really nice because they’ve learned from us and we’ve genuinely learned from them during the cultural exchange,” said Elle Carrington, who is serving in the 5th and 6th grade combination class.
She is the only student from Wales, and has shared the alphabet and language with the students.
Ellie Ashby, from Rotherham, has spent time with preschool, Kindergarten, and specialist enrichment class offerings. Lena Finney, from Derbyshire, has been in first grade, helping to lead small group lessons in math and reading.
The feedback from teachers has been very positive, with Jenn Anderson, Early Learning Center Assistant Teacher sharing that everyone has loved the experience, and that teachers have the sense that they are learning as much, if not more from the students, as they are from their U.S. experience.
“I don’t want Maisie to leave; the kids really love her, too. She’s done a great job,” added Laura Heminger, 4th grade teacher.
“I love that Erin has stepped right in and I’ve put her in charge of a few things, she’s not afraid of anything!” said Jami Shepherd, third grade teacher.
