Last winter, Proctor in France directors Eric and Stacey Viandier dreamed of Proctor hosting our students' French brothers and sisters on campus during their fall break. As can happen in education, that dream came true. After two weeks of immersion in Proctor life, our new friends (eleven students and two teachers) departed for home yesterday. First, they stood before the community in assembly and expressed gratitude for an unforgettable, life-changing experience.

 

The benefits of this exchange exceeded all expectations. The relationships forged are strong, and made this week's farewells difficult. During their time with us, interest in French language and culture grew at Proctor, as seen in the popularity of our weekly table Français, which drew non-French speakers for the first time.

 

Our guests return home having experienced a style of education that is rare even in the United States. (I wonder if they know that!) The student-centeredness of Proctor's educational model must seem wholly novel.

 

In my mind, "Student-centered" is closely related to the degree of dynamic, active, hands-on learning that we employ.

 



Ninth graders debate leadership ethics by contrasting the theories of Thomas Hobbes and Niccolo Machiavelli:

 

George and Spencer disassemble a classic hand-crank forge blower in machine shop.

 

In kinetic sculpture, Adam holds his magnificent globe to a light.

 

Ben welds.