Celebrating the Graduation of the 4th Master's Cohort and the Impact on the Future of Education at Nations
In November 2021, 23 staff members from the School of the Nations and other international schools embarked on their journey in the Master’s Program at the SUNY Buffalo State University. In August 2024, they proudly received their diplomas during a memorable graduation ceremony, marking the successful completion of their Multidisciplinary Studies Program. This ceremony was a powerful moment, celebrating the hard work, dedication, and commitment of these educators who have now brought back new insights and skills to enhance Nations’ educational environment.
This is the fourth cohort of the SUNY Master’s Program at our school, offering a highly valuable professional development opportunity for both teachers and administrative staff. We are committed to ongoing professional development, ensuring our educators stay informed about how children learn, the most effective, research-based instructional strategies, and the use of educational technology to enrich students’ learning experiences. By investing in the growth of our staff, we ensure that the entire school community benefits from cutting-edge educational practices.
A Personal Perspective
Fernanda Gonçalves, our Elementary teacher and graduate of the 4th cohort, shared a bit about her professional development experience.
"I’m very happy to have completed the master’s program! It was something that wasn’t initially in my plans, just a desire, and seeing that I managed to finish it is incredible. It was two and a half years of hard work, and applying the content from the classes in my daily routine was very rewarding. Sometimes I would learn something one day and apply it in the classroom the next. The course was intense, but very productive, and it aligns perfectly with our context and reality.
The school offering this opportunity is a major advantage, as it made the master’s program accessible to employees. I highly recommend that my colleagues take this chance. We had contact with professionals from other countries and realities, which broadened my perspective both professionally and personally."
Though she completed the master’s program as a student, Ms. Fernanda is now preparing for a new journey. Starting with the next cohort, she will serve as the Master's Program Coordinator. Reflecting on her new role, she shared:
"I’m full of expectations for this new cycle, and I’m very happy to see so many applications and to witness how engaged our staff are. I hope the next cohort has an experience as enriching and transformative as ours, and that their journey is just as incredible and rewarding as it was for us."
Keith Ray, our Chief Teaching and Learning Officer, former Program Coordinator for the 4th cohort and graduate of the 3rd cohort, shared his excitement about the program’s ongoing impact.
"The impact of the master's program is profound, with the most noticeable effects on daily teaching practices, long-term planning, and vision. By studying their own practices, participants not only enhance their classrooms but also contribute to the broader Brasília educational community. This program sets us apart from many other schools, demonstrating our commitment to teacher education and professional development, and how much we value our staff community."
"It’s especially significant for our Brazilian staff, who gain access to a U.S. university program delivered directly in Brasília. Each time we run the program, it becomes more refined. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their growth and dedication. As a coordinator, I could see how meaningful the program was for the participants and how much effort and time our staff invested."
The SUNY Program
SUNY has a well-established reputation for offering high-quality educational programs to international schools around the world, with a wide range of courses in education and leadership. In collaboration with SUNY, we have designed and adapted the Master’s Program to meet the unique needs of our educators.
Since its inception in 2018, the program has engaged staff at all levels—Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, and High School—as well as members of the Library, Guidance, and Administration teams.
The program consists of 10 courses, delivered over two and a half years, focused on multidisciplinary studies for professionals and educators in international schools. The courses cover both pedagogical strategies and educational leadership. Additionally, the program explores the role of the educational leader in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the curriculum, emphasizing the principles of curriculum leadership, needs assessment, school improvement, curriculum alignment, and evaluation. These approaches are analyzed in light of current research, providing our educators with practical tools to make informed decisions in their pedagogical practices and elevate the standard of teaching.
As we celebrate the achievements of the 4th cohort, we are also excited to announce that the 5th cohort is about to begin its journey in the first semester of the 2024-25 academic year, continuing the tradition of professional growth and excellence. This next chapter of the partnership between SUNY and School of the Nations will continue to equip our educators with tools to further enrich the learning environment, enhancing the overall school experience.
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