College of Education and Behavioral Sciences News

In preparation for the 2017-18 academic year, the Confucius Institute at WKU welcomed new teachers and completed its Confucius Day activities.

The CI at WKU fall activities began July 15 when all 55 teachers arrived for the 2017-18 school year. Of the 55 teachers, 24 have returned for another year, 31 are new teachers (23 are seeking alternative route to become Kentucky certified teachers) and one is a new 1 + 2 MAT (Master’s in the Art of Teaching). This year, the CI at WKU will be in 47 schools in 22 districts, reaching more than 19,000 students registered in Chinese language and culture classes.

Confucius Institute Day activities began on Aug. 17, as President Timothy C. Caboni welcomed the CI at WKU Chinese teachers at a reception, citing their work as important to giving students in Kentucky an opportunity to become competitive in the global society. In addition, superintendents, principals, district coordinators and host families were thanked for their support of the CI at WKU program.

The CI at WKU was one of many partners who sponsored the “2017 Solar Eclipse” glasses and lanyards for K-12 students throughout the state as well as WKU students, faculty and staff. 

Confucius Day activities continued through September with the following events:

• World Fest in Louisville – The festival celebrated its 15^th anniversary during Labor Day weekend with more than 150,000 individuals attending the event. While the rain dampened the initial opening day activities, the CI at WKU booths were well attended for both days. Mayor Greg Fischer personally thanked the CI at WKU for its sponsorship and support of the program. 
• Louisville Dragon Boat Festival – On Sept. 11, Confucius Classroom partner St. Francis School tried to defend its “Scholastic Championship” and came in third place. The Chinese language and culture was on display with the CI mobile unit and more than 15 booths showcasing authentic Chinese themes.   
• Cumberland River Dragon Boat Festival – On Sept. 11, the CI at WKU was on display in Nashville, Tennessee, during the dragon boat festival. The CI at WKU came in fourth place overall. 
• Moon Festival – On Sept. 24, the CI at WKU invited its teachers and WKU faculty/staff to attend the moon festival activities, which included games (karaoke, mahjong, Chinese chess, etc.) and videos. The event was capped off by making and cooking fresh “Moon Cakes” in the demonstration kitchen in the CI building.   
• Bowling Green International Festival – The Sept. 30 event at Circus Square Park in downtown Bowling Green was the culmination of Confucius Institute Day activities. The CI at WKU presented various activities as well as the CI mobile unit.

If you are interested in collaborating with the CI at WKU or volunteering at the CI at WKU, contact Terrill Martin at terrill.martin@wku.edu or (270) 745-2530 or (270) 792-9330.

About the Confucius Institute: The CI at WKU is a conduit of all that is China. These partnerships are far reaching that will not only create or advance research for faculty/staff, but offer research and internship opportunities for WKU students. Anyone interested in collaborating with us or interested in creating programs, contact Terrill Martin at (270) 745-2530.