Educators From Taiwan Visit Freehold Borough Schools For Exchange Program

FREEHOLD BOROUGH, NJ — A delegation of 16 educators from New Taipei City, Taiwan, recently visited Monmouth County for a two-day professional exchange focused on English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction and classroom innovation.

During their visit in the last week of October, the group participated in learning sessions and school tours at the Freehold Borough School District, Monmouth Beach School District, and Howell Township Public Schools, concluding with a tour of Lawrence Township High School.

“We were honored to welcome our colleagues from New Taipei City and to showcase the exceptional teaching and learning happening in our schools,” said Asia Michael, Superintendent of Freehold Borough Public Schools. “These international collaborations create powerful opportunities for educators to learn from one another and strengthen global understanding.”

According to school officials, the exchange program featured comprehensive professional development on ESL instruction, including classroom observations highlighting effective strategies for multilingual learners and interactive discussions on language acquisition and culturally responsive teaching practices.

In Freehold Borough, the school district maintains a sister-school partnership with the New Taipei City Education Department, a relationship that fosters international collaboration and cultural exchange.

This visit marked another milestone in that partnership, deepening professional ties and reinforcing a shared commitment to educational excellence.

“This international partnership was the brainchild of Dr. Rocco Tomazic, whose vision for global learning continues to inspire us,” Michael said. “Dr. Tomazic believed deeply in connecting educators across cultures, and his work laid the foundation for the meaningful exchange we see today.”

“I am also deeply grateful to his widow, Juping Tomazic, and friend, Alan Tai, for partnering with me to continue this important work,” Michael continued. “Together, we are honoring his legacy by fostering connections that transcend borders and enrich our students’ educational experiences.”

The two-day program concluded with a luncheon at the 5-Star Cafe at Freehold Borough High School, hosted by students in the school’s Culinary Arts program.

According to school officials, the event served as both a celebration and a reflection on the collaboration among educators from Taiwan and New Jersey.

Among those in attendance to welcome the group back to Freehold Borough were Councilwomen Sharon Shutzer, Margaret Rogers, and Annette Jordan, as well as Councilman Michael DiBenedetto, Monmouth County Superintendent Dr. Les Richens and Monmouth County Educational Specialist Dr. Deborah Bleisnick.

“Freehold Borough has always been proud of its global connections and commitment to innovation,” said Joseph Santonacita, President of the Freehold Borough Board of Education. “This partnership with New Taipei City reflects the district’s dedication to preparing students and staff to thrive in a diverse, interconnected world.”

New Taipei City is the most populous municipality in Taiwan, surrounding the capital city of Taipei and serving more than four million residents. Its Department of Education manages approximately 400 public K–12 schools.

The Freehold Borough School District extended its sincere appreciation to Monmouth Beach Superintendent/Principal, Yelena Horré, Howell Township Superintendent, Joseph Isola, Lawrence Township Superintendent, Robyn Klim, and Freehold Regional High School District Superintendent, Nicole Hazel, along with their leadership teams, staff, and students, for their hospitality and support in hosting the visiting educators.

Their collaboration and spirit of shared learning exemplify the global engagement that defines this ongoing partnership, school officials said.

To learn more about the Freehold Borough School District, you can click here.