Todd Fletcher is a man on a mission, devoted to helping teachers improve the school experience for special education English learners. As part of that mission, a piece of Fletcher’s heart will always be more than a thousand miles south of the University of Arizona, in rural Mexico.
Fletcher, who joined the UA College of Education in 1985, has created an educational community center in Cajones, Mexico, about 10 miles outside of Guanajuato. For decades, he has led Verano en Mexico, a summer school program for education students. He was inspired to give back to the community that has been so hospitable to UA students and faculty.
In 2009, Resplandor International was born. Now, just celebrating it’s ten year anniversary, Resplandor continues to flourish. Faculty and students from around the globe — and many from the University of Arizona — have traveled with Fletcher to this lush Mexican community that has limited resources. They have formed close bonds with the children and families of the area, covering everything from early childhood education and earth sciences to cooking, guitar, and Zumba classes. Resplandor also serves as a rich training ground for teachers and professionals.
Todd Fletcher is a Distinguished Outreach Professor in the Department of Disability and Psychoeducational Studies in the College of Education at the University of Arizona where he coordinates the graduate program in bilingual/multicultural special education.
His research interests and scholarly writing focus on culturally responsive educational practices for diverse learners in the U.S. and educational reform, special education policy, and inclusive educational practices in Latin America, in particular, Mexico.
He served as the President of the Division of International Special Education Services for the Council. for Exceptional Children. He has done research in Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, the United States and Guatemala on the topic of inclusive education. He is co-editor of the book – Educating Children with Disabilities and Their Families: Blending US and Mexican Perspectives.
The Midday Club of San Miguel de Allende is pleased to welcome Todd Fletcher as he discusses more about Resplandor.
Join us for this most interesting presentation on Tuesday, September 3rd.
We’re located at Los Arcos on Sterling Dickenson next to the yellow caboose.
Doors open at 9:00 AM.
Club business at 9:30, and our speaker takes the stage at 10 AM.
By Skip Essick
Rotary is where neighbors, friends and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders and take action to create lasting change.
For more information, contact President Gary Peterson at gpeterson41@gmail.com