About this item
"An upbeat chronicle of [Clavels] childrens school experiences in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo ... [offering] advice about vetting schools and enriching childrens education." - Kirkus Reviews "An intriguing volume on the differences in global education." - Library Journal A must-read firsthand exploration of why Asian students are outpacing their American counterparts and how to help our children excel in todays competitive world.. When Teru Clavel had young children, she watched her friends and fellow parents vie for spots in elite New York City schools. Instead of losing herself in the intensive applications and interview process, Teru and her family moved to Asia, embarking on a decade-long journey through the public schools of Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo. These schools were low-tech and bare-bones, with teachers who demanded obedience and order. In Hong Kong, her childrens school was nicknamed The Prison for its foreboding facilities, yet her three-year-old loved his teachers and his nightly homework. In Tokyo, the students were responsible for school chores, like preparing and serving school lunches. Yet Teru was amazed to discover that her children thrived in these academically competitive cultures; they learned to be independent, self-confident, resilient, and, above all, they developed a deep love of learning. When the family returned to the States, the true culture shock came when the top schools could no longer keep up with her children. Written with warmth and humor, World Class is a compelling story about how to inspire children to thrive academically. "Studded with lists of useful tips about choosing schools and hiring tutors, for parents who must advocate for their children and supplement gaps in their educations" (Publishers Weekly) and an insightful guide to set your children on a path towards lifelong success.
About the Author
Teru Clavel is a comparative education expert, bestselling author, and speaker who has shared her insights on education and globalization on Fareed Zakaria's GPS, The TODAY Show, CBS This Morning, CNBC's Squawk Box, and Channel NewsAsia. She has written columns for and has been featured and cited in the Times of London, The Chicago Tribune, The Japan Times, Financial Times, the Washington Post and numerous other publications. Her book, World Class: One Mother's Journey Halfway Around the Globe in Search of the Best Education for Her Children (Simon & Schuster imprint Atria, 2019) , chronicles her experience over a decade raising her children in the local public schools of Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo and Palo Alto. Written with research, personal anecdote and takeaway, World Class offers real-world solutions to the toughest education dilemmas we face here and abroad. She has been heard on over 2,500 radio stations including WGN in Chicago and KABC in Los Angeles and on top podcasts like Mom Brain with Hilaria Baldwin and Daphne Oz. Teru is a sought-after speaker, often conducting workshops and lectures with corporations, schools, and private clubs about how to raise kids to thrive and be global-minded leaders. Teru earned degrees in Global and International Education as well as Asian Studies. While living abroad, she was an education journalist and college consultant. Teru recently returned with her family to her hometown, New York City.
