The School District of Lancaster recently welcomed Dr. Alessandra Landini from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in northern Italy. Her visit was the continuation of a relationship that began several month ago when Director of Educational Access and Opportunity, Jassinya Alvarado, visited Italy for a work study experience. During that visit, she toured several schools in Reggio Emilia and offered professional development to educators, including Dr. Landini. That early exchange laid the foundation for an international partnership built on shared values and a mutual commitment to supporting the whole child.
When Dr. Landini arrived in Pennsylvania this fall as a visiting professor at Millersville University, she immediately expressed her desire to visit SDoL. She wanted to see how a district in Lancaster, Pennsylvania had become a place that international scholars look to as an example of child-centered, inclusive education.
Jassinya explained her enthusiasm. She said, “She was completely enamored with the work we do around social emotional learning and how we prioritize the well-being of staff and students.”
A morning of connection at Wickersham ES
The visit began at Wickersham Elementary. Principal Abby Rivera welcomed her and provided an overview of the district’s approach to student support. Dr. Landini observed a second grade classroom and an autistic support classroom. What she witnessed left a deep impression.
Jassinya shared, “She had visited two other districts during her time in the United States and was taken back by how little instruction students with higher needs were receiving. When she came into our autistic support classroom, she saw students learning, participating, and connecting. She saw instruction that was meaningful and inclusive. It moved her to tears.”
Dr. Landini spoke about how technology was being used with purpose and not as a substitute for teaching. She asked many thoughtful questions about how SDoL aligns supports so that every student can access learning.
A special moment also unfolded when she learned that Principal Rivera has family roots in Italy. Their conversation added warmth and familiarity to the experience and helped Dr. Landini feel immediately connected to the school community.
Student leadership shines at Ross ES
At Ross Elementary, the tone shifted to student leadership. Three student ambassadors greeted Dr. Landini at the entrance and led her on a tour of the school. The students asked her questions about her work in Italy and answered her questions with confidence.
“They were incredible,” Jassinya said. “They represented the school with so much poise. They made her feel welcomed and informed, and they showed her the school through a student’s eyes.”
Dr. Landini observed additional classrooms and participated in a third and fourth grade social emotional learning lesson. She noted how seamlessly SEL practices were woven into academic content and daily routines.
The Ross visit ended with a question and answer session created by educators Melinda Vasquez Markley, principal, and Amanda Akins, Dean of Students. Their planning ensured that Dr. Landini saw authentic examples of community building, instructional practice, and student voice.
Future educators at McCaskey HS
The final part of the visit took place at McCaskey High School. In the Early Childhood Education classroom, Dr. Landini observed students working on lesson plans and making connections between standards and instruction.
“She gave students feedback on the spot,” Jassinya said. “She asked questions and encouraged them to think carefully about how their plans would support young learners.”
She then visited the Educators Rising program and observed a student debate centered on the essential elements of teaching. Students discussed pedagogy, classroom norms, instructional strategies, and management approaches. Dr. Landini was impressed by their preparation and level of reflection.
| She ended the day with a presentation on the Reggio Emilia approach where she is a member of the Board of Directors and a profound connoisseur of the Reggio Emilia approach. |
| “I would like to testify to the wealth of professionalism and humanity that I have personally witnessed while visiting many districts and schools of all levels. Both the school leaders of Lancaster County and the future school leaders I have had the honor of having as students are admirable and motivated professionals. I share with many districts I have visited the complexity of the student population, having in my schools the highest percentage in my country of students from migrant backgrounds. This represents a common complexity but also a crucial challenge in shaping a truly inclusive society that can and must make a difference regarding children’s rights. I have found in the American schools in this country a careful perspective that aims to build a true community with families.” |
Reflections on a Global Exchange
Jassinya expressed deep appreciation for the district and the school board. She said, “I am grateful that I had the opportunity to go to Italy, and I am grateful that we could bring Italy to our students. We shared our strengths with someone who wanted to learn from us so that she can return home and support educators and students in her own community.”
Superintendent Dr. Keith Miles shared a reflection on the significance of the visit. “SDoL is committed to creating learning environments where every student feels seen and supported. When international leaders visit our classrooms and recognize the quality of our work, it affirms that our staff are making a real difference. It also shows our students that their schools have a global impact. We are proud of that and we welcome opportunities to learn from educational partners around the world.”
The visit highlighted SDoL’s commitment to the whole child is not only felt in Lancaster. It’s recognized by educators across the nation and now across the world. The practices happening inside SDoL classrooms are shaping future educators, informing international conversations, and strengthening the belief that every child deserves instruction, belonging, and dignity.
Dr. Landini’s visit affirmed what many staff members already know. The care, expertise, and daily work happening in SDoL schools matter far beyond the district’s borders. They reach students across generations and, now, across continents. For more photos from her visit, visit us on Facebook.