Fulbright Specialist Spotlight: Dr. Gene Schaffer

Through the Fulbright Specialist Program, the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation has recently welcomed Fulbright Specialist Dr. Gene Schaffer, University Maryland Baltimore County.

Dr. Gene Schaffer is supporting the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology in the challenging implementation of the new curriculum from Pre-primary through 12th grade across all subjects in the over 1000 public schools in Kosovo. Dr. Schaffer contributes to the implementation of cross-cutting curriculum goals in the areas of globalization and interdependence, education for democratic citizenship, education for peace, media education, and education for sustainable development.

Drawing on a curriculum designed by the Ministry in collaboration with international agencies, the group is integrating these cross-cutting themes into the curriculum across schools throughout Kosovo. The specialist effort focuses on the design of the curriculum and the instructional methods needed to increase problem-solving skills by integrating diverse disciplines using student-centered instruction. Dr. Schaffer has extensive international experience in teacher and school effectiveness research, the design of curriculum, and the evaluation of school reform. When asked about his experience, Dr. Schaffer shared:

‘’Working with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has been a wonderful two-way street. I have been privy to the decision-making process for the entire country and hopefully contributed to Kosovo’s desire to offer high-quality education for its citizen equal to any in the world.  Kosovars have been welcoming, open and enthusiastic. I count my colleagues among my good friends.’’

Prior to his assignment as a Fulbright Specialist to Kosovo, he was a Fulbright Scholar working with MESTI on the implementation of the Kosovo Curriculum Framework for Pre-University Education in the Republic of Kosovo.