Hilary Spicer (front row, right) with SFU student teachers and new friends and colleagues in Cuba.

For seven student teachers in the Professional Development Program (PDP), their practicum is taking place very differently - they're teaching French as a second language at the Che Guevara High School in Santa Clara, Cuba. These SFU student teachers are partnered with a Cuban student teacher with whom they prepare lesson plans, discuss second language pedagogy and communicate in English, French and Spanish. According to Hilary Spicer, Faculty Associate, PDP, interest in learning the French language is growing in Cuba, a country that boasts the highest literacy rate in the world. The student teachers also attend Spanish classes and lectures on Cuban history at the Felix Varela Pedagogical Institute.

"There are a multitude of opportunities for both personal and professional growth in this practicum," said Hilary Spicer, Faculty Associate, PDP who is accompanying the student teachers.

Sasha Faminoff, one of the SFU student teachers participating in this first-time initiative adds, "Of all the layers in this incredible country, that one which unveiled the spirit and generosity of these people is to me most special."

What started as an idea during a conversation over coffee has become a dream come true for Hilary, who has taught in Cuba before and is the mastermind behind this practicum. She acknowledges that the support of many people in the Faculty was a factor in turning the germ of an idea into reality. In particular, she is grateful for the support she received from Jim O'Rourke, Dr. Ian Andrews, Prof. Meguido Zola, Danielle Arcand, Claude Dionne and Dr. Allan MacKinnon. This initiative is a partnership between the BC Teachers' Federation Cuba Team and the Cuban teachers' union.