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DSU assistant professor to spend summer in Slovak Republic

            Dakota State University assistant professor of education, Joe Bishop was awarded a Professional Development Fellowship from the Institute of International Education in New York to examine educational reform in the Slovak Republic this summer.

The fellowship program is for young American researchers in professional, policy and public administration-related fields. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State through the Research and Training for Eastern Europe and the Independent States of the Former Soviet Union Act of 1983 (Title VIII).

            Bishop leaves May 14 and will spend three months in the Slovak Republic examining educational reforms. “The main purpose of my visit is to examine educational reforms for democracy in the Slovak Republic,” said Bishop. “In particular, I’m trying to discover what educational reform activities have occurred, how they’ve been received, and how different segments of society conceptualize democracy and democratic citizenship. I will also engage in some advanced language study as well as attend and most likely participate in an annual Citizenship Education conference in Olomouc, Czech Republic.”

            The grant includes a round trip international airfare, a monthly living stipend, insurance and allowances for books & travel in the host country.

            “I feel honored to receive the Professional Development Fellowship. It will permit me to expand my research in Eastern Europe,” said Bishop. “It will also enable me to increase my understanding of education for democratic citizenship in the United States.”

While there, Bishop will be affiliated with Trnava University in Trnava, which is just north of Bratislava, the capital of Slovak Republic.

“I am very excited to be going to the Slovak Republic,” added Bishop. “I enjoy the challenge that comes with trying to interact successfully in a different culture and language.”