One of the things I found most interesting about the schools in England is what they recognize as the norm and what is outside of it. For example, students in public schools pray together every morning - it's just assumed. However, when I asked if there was any national creed or pledge that was recited, my cooperating teacher explained that to them, a sense of love to one's country is something considered a private, personal choice. It's the total opposite of the ideology in our schools here.

In the strongest school districts there is stiff competition for teaching positions. Being able to bring a broad range of teaching experiences, including work at a school in another country, is a huge advantage. Not to mention, the broader the experiences he or she has, the more dynamic, interesting and fun his or her classroom is going to be.

What I learned was that kids are kids, no matter where you go. They might have different names and talk with an accent, but for the most part they have the same fears and desires.

We have a lot of different schools coming from all over New England. Sport karate is becoming more and more popular.

In [the New England] region there are only five schools that are active. We're the first professional engineering fraternity in Rhode Island.

It finally seems to have dawned on some of the England players that, if they are to beat the likes of Brazil, Germany, Argentina and Italy in a World cup, they need an iron manager to forge them into a team, not a nice guy to massage their inflated egos. The gooey love affair between coaches and players is coming to its inevitable end. Does Eriksson have answers? There are times when you have to wonder if this vague, distant — albeit charming — figure is really all that interested in finding them.