MOUNT VERNON — Mount Vernon High School social studies teacher Rob Fetters was recently presented with the 2011 Paul Swaddling Peace and International Understanding Award. The award is presented by the Ohio Education Association for outstanding contributions to the promotion or execution of the cause of peace and international understanding.
Fetters, a master teacher, has participated in and presented at many global studies seminars and conferences. He is a strong advocate for social studies education, has served as the legislative liaison for the Ohio Council for Social Studies, helped to develop Ohio standards in social studies education and has encouraged officials to incorporate into the curriculum a broader understanding of social studies beyond just history, by including humanities, all social sciences, and the 21st Century Skills critical thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration, creativity, and innovation.
Fetters goes beyond the textbooks to help his students experience an international perspective. Beyond sharing his experiences abroad, he has brought both Japanese and Chinese teachers to his students at MVHS.
For five years, the Fetters family hosted teachers from Japan for several weeks each, during which time they interacted and taught Mount Vernon students. As an offshoot of that experience, Fetters, in collaboration with The Ohio State University’s Institute for Japanese Studies, organizes the Japanese-influenced art and literature contest, which has awarded thousands of dollars in prizes to Mount Vernon students of all ages.
He said, “A former student told me this contest, combined with the visiting teacher and my class in general, encouraged her to not only continue her art, but to study international business in college as well.”
The Fetters family has hosted adults for long-term stays, as well.
