The Graduate School (SPs) of Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta hosted a guest lecture on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, at the Theater Room on the third floor of the Sugeng Mardiyono Building. The event featured Assoc. Prof. Shei-Chau Wang, Ed.D., from Northern Illinois University, who delivered a lecture entitled “Being a K–12 Teacher in the US: Challenges, Responsibilities, and Daily Routine.”

The lecture brought together graduate students from various study programs within the Graduate School and formed part of the institution’s ongoing commitment to broadening academic horizons through international scholarly engagement. The session provided participants with valuable insights into the realities of teaching within the United States education system, particularly at the K–12 level.

In her presentation, Assoc. Prof. Wang explored the multifaceted roles of K–12 teachers in the United States, highlighting the professional responsibilities, classroom management demands, and day-to-day challenges associated with supporting diverse student needs in an evolving educational landscape. She emphasized the importance of pedagogical expertise, adaptability, and reflective practice in fostering inclusive and effective learning environments.

The lecture also offered participants a deeper understanding of how educational policies, school culture, and societal expectations shape the teaching profession in different contexts. By examining the experiences of educators in the United States, students were encouraged to reflect on both the similarities and differences between educational practices in Indonesia and abroad.

The session concluded with an engaging discussion, during which participants actively exchanged ideas and perspectives with the speaker. The dynamic interaction enriched the learning experience and provided a meaningful platform for exploring contemporary issues in education from a global perspective.

Through initiatives such as this, the Graduate School continues to strengthen the internationalization of its academic environment while fostering global awareness among students. The involvement of distinguished international scholars is expected to inspire future educators and researchers to engage more critically with educational challenges and opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world.