Independent Study Vice Principal Cristina Buss Selected As A Fulbright Fellow To Finland
Visions In Education is proud to announce that Independent Study Academy Vice Principal Cristina Buss was awarded a Fulbright Teacher Exchange award to Finland for the 2024-2025 academic year. This prestigious program fosters international collaboration and cultural exchange, preparing educators to bring new ideas and practices back to their schools.
“The Fulbright Teacher Exchange programs had been on my radar for years, and at Visions I felt passionate about expanding my learning, and supported enough by my team, to pursue this incredible opportunity,” explains Cristina. “My application focused on my desire to serve students who have been left behind by traditional schooling; I hoped to bring back best practices for supporting all students, and to learn about holding systems accountable for their outcomes. I was amazed and honored to be selected as one of eleven administrators from throughout the United States to participate in this learning experience.”
As part of the Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program, Cristina spent 10 days exploring Finland’s education system, visiting classrooms, meeting with teachers and school leaders, and attending the Educa conference, the largest education and training event in the Nordic countries. Cristina’s research focus during the program was how Finnish schools support students facing challenges, from learning gaps to unique needs.
“I was surprised by how many similarities I observed between the Finnish and American education systems,” Cristina shares. “The differences I did find seemed to be more based on the societal context than on specific educational practices. In the schools we visited, there was a culture of trust: teachers are trusted to educate, students are trusted to learn, and the systems are trusted to take care of the people. I’m really passionate about trying to shift our systems to serve students based on their individual needs. The focus I saw in Finland on preparing students for meaningful futures was very impactful. I hope that we can continue working at Visions to prepare our students to have the lives they want, and to track graduate outcomes to hold our systems accountable.”
“I believe strongly in the work we do in the Independent Study Academy, and I was excited about the possibility of representing Visions at a national and international level.”
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With a career dedicated to supporting students who have struggled in traditional educational settings, Cristina brought a wealth of experience to this opportunity. From her background as a science teacher and department chair to her leadership roles in alternative education, she has consistently championed new solutions to meet students’ diverse needs.
Cristina joins a distinguished group of Fulbright alumni that includes Nobel Prize laureates, Pulitzer Prize recipients, and global leaders. Her selection highlights her exceptional leadership and commitment to education and we look forward to supporting her in applying her learning to benefit students at Visions In Education.
