Monday, March 9, 2015

Spearman Hails Education MOU Signed Between South Carolina and Germany

Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany: State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman issued the following statement upon signing a memorandum of understanding between the South Carolina Department of Education and the Ministry of Education in Germany.

“South Carolina and Germany have enjoyed a strong sister-state relationship for 20 years, and it is appropriate today that we celebrate our unique cultural and business ties with the signing of this MOU,” said Spearman.  The MOU signifies the recognition by both departments of the importance of English and German language instruction; emphasizes cultural, administrator, and teacher exchanges; and professional learning opportunities for educators.

The term of the MOU is four years with an action plan and program evaluation every two years.  Superintendent Spearman is part of a government delegation currently visiting Germany, with this year’s visit focused on education.  Joining her is Dr. Russell Booker, Superintendent of Spartanburg District Number Seven, and Dr. Fred Carter, President of Francis Marion University.  The trip was funded by the Education Foundation at Francis Marion University using private sector funds.

The official visit follows the recent announcement of Mercedes-Benz Vans, a division of Daimler AG, that the company will build a new assembly plant in South Carolina, investing $500 million and creating 1,300 jobs.

To review a copy of the MOU, please click here.