So far, today has been my favorite day of the trip. Maybe it is because it was the most education-based day we have had so far, or maybe because we were able to experience so much of the culture here in England. Either way, today was both meaningful and memorable, and it gave me an even greater appreciation for education and the similarities and differences between schools in the United States and the United Kingdom. From classroom observations to lectures and sightseeing, every part of the day taught me something valuable.

To begin the morning, we caught the bus to Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College, where we had the opportunity to sit in on classes and learn more about their educational system. The first class I observed was a class for teaching assistants. This was especially interesting to me because, as a student teacher myself, I was curious to see how their responsibilities compared to student teachers in the United States. I quickly noticed that many of their duties and expectations were very similar. The course focused on ways teaching assistants support classroom instruction, help students who may need additional guidance, and work closely with teachers to create positive learning environments. It was reassuring to see that despite being in another country, many of the values surrounding education and student support remain the same.

Afterward, we attended ESOL classes, which stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages. The class I was placed in specifically focused on teaching early math skills, including addition and subtraction. I found this especially fascinating because the curriculum was very similar to the math standards taught in elementary schools in America. The teacher used visuals, repetition, and guided practice to help students better understand the concepts, which are all strategies we frequently discuss in education courses back home. It was inspiring to see students from different backgrounds coming together to strengthen both their English and math skills in such a welcoming classroom environment.

One thing I really admired was how the teacher adapted instruction to meet the needs of students with different learning styles and educational backgrounds. It reminded me how important differentiation is within education. Every student learns differently, and watching the teacher provide support in multiple ways showed how effective inclusive teaching can be. I also noticed how engaged the students were throughout the lesson and how supportive the classroom atmosphere felt. It demonstrated that learning can be very successful when teachers create encouraging environments and meaningful lessons.

Following the classroom observations, we were given a tour of the campus. The campus itself was absolutely breathtaking. From the beautiful outdoor scenery to the bright and modern study spaces, the entire environment felt comfortable, welcoming, and motivating. The buildings were filled with natural light, and there were many spaces designed for students to collaborate or study independently. Compared to some schools I have visited in the United States, the atmosphere felt especially calm and student-centered. It was clear that the college prioritized creating an environment where students could feel both supported and inspired.

The woman who spoke to us during the tour was incredibly informative, and I learned so much about the structure of education in England. One of the most interesting things I learned was that a sixth form college is actually much more similar to high school in the United States than what Americans typically think of as “college.” Before today, I assumed college in England would function similarly to universities in America, so learning about the differences in terminology and structure was very eye-opening. I also found it intriguing that students whose families earn more than 30,000 pounds annually may have to pay tuition, despite the experience resembling secondary education in the United States. Hearing about these financial expectations really showed how education systems can differ across countries while still striving toward the same goal of preparing students for their futures.

After returning to Birmingham City University, I grabbed an iced coffee and an egg salad sandwich before attending a lecture on learning disability nursing. This lecture ended up being one of the most impactful parts of my day because it strongly connected education and healthcare. The session focused on how learning disabilities affect mental cognition and how nurses, educators, and families work together to support students. In many ways, it reminded me of special education programs in the United States.

One important point discussed during the lecture was that individuals with learning disabilities may also have an increased likelihood of experiencing emotional or physical disabilities as well. This highlighted how important it is for schools and healthcare providers to work collaboratively. I found it interesting that many parts of their system reflect values that are also emphasized in the United States. For example, students must qualify for services by meeting certain criteria, family consent plays a major role in the support process, and professionals collaborate to provide students with equitable opportunities.

The lecture also emphasized advocacy and inclusion, which are topics we have discussed frequently throughout this trip. Nurses and educators both play important roles in ensuring students feel supported, valued, and understood. Listening to the speaker made me realize how interconnected different professions are when it comes to helping children succeed. Education is not just about academics; it is also about supporting emotional wellbeing, physical health, and social development.

We concluded the day by exploring the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, which were absolutely beautiful. The gardens were filled with colorful flowers, greenery, and peaceful walking paths that made the perfect ending to such a busy and meaningful day. Walking through the gardens gave me time to reflect on everything I had learned and experienced. Between observing classrooms, learning about another educational system, attending lectures, and exploring the city, today truly combined education and culture in the best possible way.

Overall, today deepened my appreciation for both teaching and learning. It was inspiring to see how educators and healthcare professionals in another country work together to support students and create equitable opportunities. Although there are differences between the United States and England, there are also many shared values centered around inclusion, support, and student success. Today reminded me why I am passionate about education and excited for my future career. Now, off to dinner and another exciting night in the city of Birmingham!