This winter, AESA Global once again demonstrated the power of international partnership through a transformative five-day professional training with Shandong SDU Basic Education Group, affiliated with Shandong University in Jinan, China.
What began as a professional development initiative evolved into something much greater—a shared commitment to advancing gifted and talented education across borders, cultures, and classrooms.
A Global Opportunity Made Possible
Through the strategic leadership of AESA Global, educators from Ansonia Public Schools and ACES - Area Cooperative Educational Services were able to take part in this extraordinary opportunity.
AESA Global served as the bridge—coordinating partnerships, designing programming, facilitating logistics, and ensuring that this international exchange was not simply a visit, but a meaningful, sustainable collaboration.
With Jason Hiruo, Chief Global Officer, and Meimei Zou, Director of Projects, leading the training alongside Stephen Bergin (Assistant Superintendent, Ansonia Public Schools) and William Grimm (Global Initiatives Coordinator, ACES), the delegation brought both expertise and a spirit of shared learning to China.
Five Days of Professional Growth and Shared Vision
The professional training focused on strengthening gifted and talented education programs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
Through:
- Case studies of advanced learners
- Instructional strategies grounded in research
- Curated professional readings
- Leadership seminars
- Collaborative planning sessions
Educators engaged in deep discussions about building sustainable, school-wide systems to support gifted learners.
High school teachers explored alternative learning plans—with interpretation support from Meimei Zou—while principals remained fully engaged during Jason Hiruo's seminar on student case studies and leadership strategies.
Elementary educators immersed themselves in a session titled: "Strategic Design of Achievement and Affective Goals for Gifted Students."
Teachers shared ideas, exchanged best practices, and collaborated to inspire young learners in ways that address both academic rigor and social-emotional growth.
By the conclusion of the five-day training, school leaders and faculty expressed sincere appreciation to the AESA team. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing that the training provided clear, actionable approaches that could be implemented immediately—both at the classroom level and across entire school systems.
Leaders from Shandong SDU Basic Education Group reaffirmed their commitment to a long-term partnership with AESA Global and shared their enthusiasm about welcoming the team back this summer for the third phase of the training.
Strengthening University Partnerships
A highlight of the visit included a special working meeting with Liaocheng University.
Zuoding Sun, Dean of the School of International Education, along with two members of his team, traveled from Liaocheng to Jinan to join the AESA delegation for a strategic meeting and dinner featuring traditional Shandong cuisine.
The gathering was more than ceremonial—it was productive and forward-looking.
Discussions advanced the design of the upcoming April Chinese Bridge Program, including:
- Program structure refinement
- Student and teacher exchange opportunities
- Expanded collaboration pathways
- Long-term institutional alignment
Liaocheng University will host the April Chinese Bridge Program in China, and the visit allowed both teams to deepen their shared vision for international exchange.
Connections Beyond the Classroom
One of the most meaningful moments of the trip occurred during a shared lunch in the school cafeteria with Principal Zhao and leaders from Shanda Elementary, Middle, and High Schools.
Jason Hiruo, Meimei Zou, Stephen Bergin, and William Grimm joined Chinese school leaders not just as presenters—but as partners.
Great food. Even better conversation.
These informal moments often build the strongest foundations for long-term collaboration. The conversations centered on student growth, leadership challenges, innovative programming, and how global partnerships can expand opportunities for learners on both sides of the world.
AESA Global On Location
This visit was not simply about delivering professional learning—it was about modeling global collaboration in action.
AESA Global led in-person professional development designed to:
- Build capacity in gifted and talented education
- Strengthen leadership systems
- Support advanced learners
- Foster cross-cultural professional dialogue
By bringing together educators from Connecticut and China, AESA Global created a shared learning environment where expertise flowed in both directions.
A Shared Commitment to the Future
As the training concluded successfully, leaders from Shandong SDU Basic Education Group reaffirmed their shared vision for innovative and gifted education and expressed excitement about the continued partnership.
The work will continue this summer. The partnerships will deepen. The impact will grow.
And once again, AESA Global has demonstrated how thoughtful international collaboration can create opportunities not only for institutions—but for students whose potential knows no borders.
