[MGSA-L] Prometheus Greek Teachers Association Holds Workshop At 2012 Hermes Expo
June Samaras
june.samaras at gmail.com
Mon Apr 9 21:05:31 PDT 2012
http://www.qgazette.com/news/2012-04-11/Features
/Prometheus_Greek_Teachers_Association_Holds_Worksh.html
2012-04-11 / Features
Prometheus Greek Teachers Association Holds Workshop At 2012 Hermes Expo
By Catherine Tsounis
The decline of Greek education in America is a serious problem. The
dropout rate of the first, second and third generation Greeks is
significant. An issue argued by many is that primary and secondary
Greek education of students in America lack educators who understand
them.
These were some of the topics discussed at the historic Prometheus
Greek Teachers Association and Federation of Hellenic-American
Educators workshop on Saturday, March 31st, at the Trump Taj Mahal
Hotel and Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
“We are honored to participate in the 2012 Hermes Expo International,”
said Vasiliki Filiotis, President of Prometheus. “We want the
community close to us, thinking positive.
Prometheus must not die and our schools close. We need support for our
national symposiums. We welcome all to join us. For more information
call, 718 844-0902.”
Mrs. Stella Kokolis, workshop moderator and President of the
Federation of Hellenic American Teachers and the World Council of
Hellenes Abroad (SAE) Education Committee for the US region, said “we
must be united to solidy Greek education. The President of Prometheus
in Washington, D.C. is organizing a conference to establish programs
for 2nd and 3rd generation Greek-Americans. We are happy with the
support of teachers from different states.”
Many argue the dropout rate from Greek schools is due to the decline
of Greek immigrants, smaller families and parental apathy. Children
refuse to attend Greek schools for various reasons. A thought
expressed is that to teach, reach and motivate Greek American
children, one needs to understand their environment, the school
systems they attend, their own culture, traditions and habits.
Teachers of the Greek language must integrate modern technology, such
as the internet in their classroom, as well as use the language of the
students for motivation. Parents and families must play a significant
role in inspiring the students to learn Greek language and culture.
Culture activities such as theater, dance, music and visits to Greece
can help curb the dropout rate of Greek students from the Greek
schools.
Another thought raised was that the Hellenic Studies programs, which
are in a decline on the university level, must be redesigned.
University programs are closing because of low enrollment while there
is a need for teachers to instruct younger children. Hellenic studies
programs should create curriculum strong in modern education and
technology, creating new teachers for our future Greek schools. Mrs.
Emily Antonopoulos, an acclaimed national educator, said “if the
economy is not solved, education will not prosper. No one will enter
the profession of Greek education for low wages.”
Sotiroula Alexopoulos believes “it is important that new charter
schools for the Modern Greek language are formed not on the parent’s
expense. Our Greek identity has a future.” Some charter schools
include: Hellenic Classical Charter School, Brooklyn; Socrates Academy
of Charlotte, North Carolina; Odyssey School in Wilmington, Delaware;
Athenian Academy, Clearwater, Florida and others.
Dr. Dimitri Pallas, a founding member of the American Hellenic
Congress and Founder and The historic Prometheus Greek Teachers
Association and Federation of Hellenic-American Educators workshop
participants. The historic Prometheus Greek Teachers Association and
Federation of Hellenic-American Educators workshop participants.
President of the Foundation for Modern Greek Studies (FMGS) said “we
formed the Foundation for Modern Greek Studies at the University of
Michigan (U of M) in 1997. Our mission is to promote the study of
Modern Greek language and culture by supporting educational
institutions as well as other efforts serving these fields. Seven
years ago, U of M received a major gift from FMGS that made possible
the establishment of the endowed C.P. Cavafy Chair in Modern Greek
Language and Literature.” His ideas added to the workshop along with
Dr. Dean Lomis, international scholar.
A native of the Peloponnese, Dr. Pallas studied at the University of
Athens and did graduate work in the United States. Dinos Avlonitis, a
member of the Prometheus delegation is part of the Hellenic Relief
Foundation. “We must gather funds and send a representative from the
United States to purchase food from local merchants to help the local
community,” he explained. “There is a real humanitarian crisis in
Greece. We must uplift the image of Greece in a positive manner.” For
more information, visit http://www.hellenicrelief.org/en/ or call 347
201-1821.
Ms. Filiotis expressed special appreciation to “former Prometheus
President John Markopoulos, Pan Gregorian leaders Andreas Tsangarides,
George Siamboulis and Anastasios Manessis for their continuous support
of Modern Greek Studies and the members of Prometheus Greek Teachers
Association and Federation of Hellenic-American Educators. Mr. Peter
Stathatos, Vice-President of the Greek American Homeowners Association
(GAHOA) attended our meeting, representing GAHOA President George
Alexiou. The Greek-American Homeowners Association perpetuates the
Hellenic language and culture among our grade school and college
students through scholarships.”
--
June Samaras
2020 Old Station Rd
Streetsville,Ontario
Canada L5M 2V1
Tel : 905-542-1877
E-mail : june.samaras at gmail.com
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