VIF Names Stephen Mares NC Principal of the Year
April 19, 2007 - Daniels Middle School principal Stephen Mares has been named North Carolina Principal of the Year by the Visiting International Faculty Program for excellence in providing students an international education to prepare a new generation for success in the global economy.Daniels Middle School offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme and currently has five VIF teachers. Since 2001, Daniels has had nine VIF teachers. .
The current VIF teachers describe Mares as a hard-working, caring educator who truly strives for the success of every child. Mares says international-exchange teachers “add to the flavor of our school” and “provide a cultural element that allows for differences to be bridged so we can learn from each other.”
The Visiting International Faculty Program is the largest international-exchange program linking U.S. schools and teachers worldwide. The VIF Program is sponsoring 33 international teachers in the Wake County Public School System and about 900 in North Carolina this year, providing schools highly qualified teachers to give students a world-class education.
“Stephen Mares is providing a supportive and enriching learning environment for international-exchange teachers to educate students about the world beyond their borders,” said David B. Young, president of the VIF Program. “As a result, a new generation is learning the skills and knowledge necessary to lead our communities, state and nation to prosperity in the global economy. And international-exchange teachers will return to their home nations as vocal cultural ambassadors for the United States, sharing their experience with students, educators and their home communities to break down stereotypes and increase international understanding.”
Mares was presented the award at the April 10 meeting of the Board of Education.
More information about the Visiting International Faculty Program can be found at www.vifprogram.com
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