General Information

A primary goal of the National Association of Laboratory Schools is to promote collaboration among university affiliated schools throughout the world. NALS is dedicated to the development of the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to prepare teachers to be effective and responsible citizens in a global society.

Questions and Answers:
The following questions and answers will help you understand how NALS membership will be of benefit to your school.

Becoming an International Member

The following questions and answers will help you understand how NALS membership will be of benefit to your school.

What is the role of NALS in international schools?
A primary goal of the National Association of Laboratory Schools is to promote collaboration among university affiliated schools throughout the world. NALS is dedicated to the development of the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to prepare teachers to be effective and responsible citizens in a global society. Towards this end, NALS enables teachers and students to acquire real-life skills, gain knowledge of the world, and develop expertise in viewing events and issues from diverse global perspectives. The NALS mission is inclusive and international membership enhances the opportunity to enrich and strengthen all laboratory school programs.

What are some of the benefits of NALS membership?
NALS members have assisted international members in the development of curriculum plans, instructional strategies and on occasion provided advise on the hiring of administrators and faculty. Teachers from around the world are provided an international stage upon which to showcase their latest programs and research at the NALS Annual Conference. Schools in the Dominican Republic, United Arab Emirates, China, Russia, Nigeria, and Japan have all presented papers on their schools. A joint program with Escuela Agosto 16 in the Dominican Republic led to desks, books and supplies being shipped to their school. NALS provides financial support to international educators at new member institutions to attend the annual conference and offers grants to members seeking to build collaborative relationships among member institutions (See links to the International Conference Grants).

Are student and faculty exchanges possible?
A broad range of exchanges are possible. NALS members have many options for encouraging participation in exchange programs acting as hosts for students and faculty from abroad as well as providing formal training programs. NALS member institutions participate in exchanges of faculty, staff and students for periods ranging from a week to an entire academic year. Hosting creates a lifetime friendship with another person and often with another family in different part of the world. Hosts also benefit from friendships with them. These exchanges would be available for both university professors and students, as would be the responsibility of each traveler. The host institution would generally provide housing and ground transportation.

NALS member institutions can send, or receive, student teachers, to/from other member institutions. This allows student teachers from NALS member universities to student teach in international settings. It also allows student teachers from international universities to student teach for example, in United States or Canadian schools. Several of the NALS institutions would be willing to serve as a "broker" to place these student teachers.

Can NALS members conduct workshops at our school?
NALS educators can conduct workshops throughout the world at the request of member institutions. One of the services NALS provides is to furnish low cost professional development options to international schools. International faculty members could also travel to the United States to conduct training on their latest educational research. The teachers providing the in-service would not be paid or their services; however, the institution requesting the training would generally provide air travel costs, housing and ground transportation.

Does NALS support international collaboration for research?
NALS seeks to promote both research and curriculum development projects in keeping with its mission to promote best practices in all schools. The International Program Development Grant International Program Development Grant you will receive research based articles about NALS member institutions research and development projects. The journal welcomes articles from all members.

Is there anything else I should know?
NALS members are friendly, supportive and deeply committed to their students. The NALS Annual Conference provides a unique opportunity for educators to network, share ideas and seek solutions to common problems from colleagues who all share in the experience of being in university affiliated schools. International members enrich this exchange.

How do I join NALS?
If you feel your institution would benefit from this experience, we would ask that you complete our application. Also, if you are already involved in some aspect of international work, we would like to know that as well. This will allow your institution to receive recognition for your efforts when you are listed in our web site directory of NALS international members.

If you would like additional information, please contact Patricia Diebold, NALS Executive Director, dieboldp@edinboro.edu