About...

The International Education Team at the Indiana Department of Education believes that children will be best poised to achieve to their fullest potential and contribute most to society when they have complete access to a system of education that recognizes and incorporates best practices from around the globe, teaches skills and knowledge necessary for the 21st century and utilizes high-quality and rigorous curricula, including instruction in world languages and cultures.

Caterina Cregor Blitzer, Director of International Education, a multi-lingual native of Italy, graduate of Indiana University and the University of Wisconsin, she led the International Center of Indianapolis from 1995 - 2006, and has directed state and local government initiatives in international trade and development.

E-mail: cblitzer@doe.in.gov
Phone:  317.234.2375
Fax: 317.233-2196
Mailing address: 101 West Ohio Street, Suite 500, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Steve Griffin, Social Studies Specialist, is a northwest Indiana native and graduate of Purdue University. He is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Secondary Education at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. He is a former high school social studies teacher and department chair. As a Social Studies Specialist, Steve develops social studies standards, curriculum resources, and works with many social studies organizations.

E-mail: sgriffin@doe.in.gov
Phone: 317.232.9181
Fax: 317.232.9121
Mailing address: 151 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Adriana Melnyk, World Language Specialist, is an Indianapolis native and graduate of Centre College and Northern Kentucky University. A former language teacher and current methods instructor, she focuses on developing resources and standards for instruction in all languages at all levels, as well as working to shape policy for world language education in Indiana.

E-mail: amelnyk@doe.in.gov 
Phone: 317.232.9148
Fax: 317.232.9121
Mailing address: 151 West Ohio Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204

What we are doing

• Indiana Leadership for International Education Summit, February 1, 2008
• World language standards have been revised to provide framework for K-12 in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Russian,  Spanish, and encouraging the establishment of more world language programs in our elementary and middle schools.
• Social Studies standards have been revised for all subjects and grade levels. Recognizing the importance of international education, all Indiana high school students must successfully complete World History and Civilization or Geography and History of the World as part of the Core 40 graduation requirements.
• The Indiana Department of Education is working with school leaders, professional organizations, civic, business, foundation and community partners, universities and colleges on the promotion of world language studies, international education, international exchange and professional development opportunities.

How you can get involved

• Sign up on a LISTSERV for information about events and opportunities for involvement.

worldlanguages@listserv.doe.state.in.us
inworld@listserv.doe.state.in.us
chinese@listserv.doe.state.in.us