Michael Dalton (in his hat) with Pakistani Education national leaders.

The thirteen Pakistani educators who attended OSU for three months during the 2004 fall term have returned to their home provinces. Equipped with fresh ideas and deeper knowledge about improving education in their homeland, each stays in touch with OSU colleagues and fellow project participants via the internet, newsletters, and conferences.

Michael Dalton with professors from a Pakistani elementary teachers' college.

One of the highlights of returning home was the opportunity to welcome Michael Dalton, assistant to Dean Sam Stern for program and research development, to the first National Conference on Education held in December in Islamabad. “All the prominent people in Pakistani education were there,” said Michael. “I was invited to speak on innovations in teacher education and the importance of continuing professional development.”

He adds, “I am so impressed by the commitment from the Pakistani government, the non-governmental organizations (NGO), and university people to making their educational system the highest possible quality for both men and women.”

Michael’s mission in Pakistan included meeting with the in-country leaders of the Pakistani project: Pakistani government representatives, NGOs, USAID, and the Academy for Educational Development. Discussing how to support the project, making it sustainable over the long term, was the focus of their meetings.

A Pakistani elementary teachers' college for women only.

One of the most interesting excursions for Michael was visiting local Pakistani schools and speaking personally with administrators and teachers. During one of his visits he was presented with a traditional hat from northwest Pakistan (see first photo). Michael is already anticipating the next wave of Pakistani educators, scheduled for arrival in Corvallis in late March.