CERP-Teacher training institute
As our time in Salto came to an end, we were excited to have one last incredible experience before heading back to Montevideo. We had the incredible opportunity to visit the Centro Regional de Profesores (CERP) Teacher Training Institute and meet the future teachers of Uruguay. The warm welcome we received from the students and staff gave us a glimpse into the hospitality and kindness that is embedded in this country's culture.
The moment we stepped into the lobby of CERP, we were greeted by a warm and friendly group of students and staff who gave us a tour of the institute. As we walked through the corridors, we could feel the energy and enthusiasm of the students who were preparing to become teachers. In Uruguay, to become a teacher, you typically need to have a degree in education or a related field and pass a teaching certification exam. This was something that resonated with us as we heard about the various courses and programs being offered at CERP. Students may also be required to have a certain amount of teaching experience. The job market for teachers in Uruguay is generally good, with a high demand for qualified teachers. It was fascinating to learn about the education system in Uruguay and how it differed from ours. We were impressed by the level of dedication and enthusiasm that the students had for teaching, and we could see that they were already making a difference in the lives of their students.
We then had an interactive session with the students, where we got the chance to present our community and expertise in teaching to the students. I talked about my identity, family, community involvement, teaching experience, and the importance of having a good teacher-student relationship. The students were very receptive and appreciative of our efforts, and I felt honored to have the opportunity to share my journey as a teacher with them.
After a coffee break, we had an informal mingling time with the students and faculty staff. It was a great opportunity to learn more about their culture and way of life. We found a lot of similarities between our own cultures, and it was wonderful to connect with the students on a personal level.
Lastly, all Fulbright fellows were invited to the stage for a question-and-answer session. The students were eager to learn about our experiences and expertise in teaching, and we were happy to share our knowledge with them. Although we could see that they had a lot more questions, we had to catch our bus to Montevideo.
The long bus ride back to Montevideo took over 6 hours, and unfortunately, we didn't plan well for lunch. We were all hungry and tired by the time we arrived at the Cala de Volpe hotel, where our Program Director, Martina, was waiting to greet us. After freshening up, we were ready for an enjoyable dinner at the restaurant, with plenty of stories from our unforgettable experience in Salto. We couldn't help but recount our visit to Salto and how it inspired us to become better teachers.
Our last visit to CERP in Salto was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our Fulbright journey in Uruguay. We were inspired by the dedication and passion of the students and faculty staff, and it was a humbling experience to be a part of their learning journey. We were grateful for the opportunity to share our knowledge and learn from each other. This visit has not only enriched our own teaching practices but has also given us a deeper understanding and appreciation of the education system in Uruguay. We hope to stay in touch with the students and faculty staff at CERP and see how they progress in their journey to becoming excellent teachers.
