Qingzhou, China - Lindsay Boehme, a social studies teacher at Westbrook High School, traveled to China April 8-21, 2008. As part of a delegation sent by the Connecticut Association of Schools, Lindsay was able to visit Westbrook’s sister school the Qingzhou Experimental Middle School in Qingzhou, Shandong Province, China.

This trip was possible in part by the funding from the Westbrook Foundation and Westbrook Board of Education.

Lindsay was able to visit and teach classes at the elementary and high school level. “I am amazed and intrigued by the education system in China. Coming from a small high school in Westbrook, the classroom sizes of 70 or more students were overwhelming, “she says. “I was warmly welcomed during my visit to the school and realized that even though China is on the other side of the world, the passion for teaching and eagerness of the students for learning, was similar to that of the United States and Westbrook”.

An added bonus for Lindsay was visiting places in Beijing such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. “I was able to incorporate my experiences and pictures in my lessons when I taught about these topics this school year! This valuable opportunity enriches my teaching.”