2016 Study of the U.S. Summer Institutes for Secondary School Educators
The Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators (Teachers) will provide two multinational groups of 20 experienced secondary school teachers with a deeper understanding of U.S. society, education, and culture – past and present. The focus of the Institute will be on providing content and materials for participants to develop high school level curricula about the United States. Please note that the main focus of the Institutes for teachers is on content and materials about the United States rather than teaching methods and pedagogy. To this end, the Institutes are organized around a central theme or themes in U.S. civilization. Through a combination of traditional, multi-disciplinary, and interdisciplinary approaches, program content will examine the history and evolution of U.S. institutions and values, broadly defined. The program will also serve to illuminate contemporary political, social, and economic debates in American society. The four week academic residency will be complemented by a one week study tour. The aim of the study tour is to showcase the cultural, geographic, and ethnic diversity of the United States. Pending ECA grant approval, the University of Montana will host one Institute for 20 teachers beginning in late May, 2016. The second Institute, which will also host 20 teachers, is currently being openly competed, the recipient will be known in April 2016.
The Study of the U.S. Institute for Secondary Educators (Administrators) will provide a multinational group of 20 experienced administrators (including teacher trainers, curriculum developers, textbook writers, ministry of education officials, and others) with a deeper understanding of U.S. society, education, and culture – past and present. The program’s theme, “Exploring Access and Equity in U.S. Education and Society” will focus on education, immigration, and civic engagement within U.S. society and culture. The Institute will include an intellectually rigorous academic residency component, meetings with regional educators and prominent community leaders, guided independent research, visits to topically relevant sites, a two-week study tour, and the completion of a research project. Pending final ECA grant approval, the Institute will be hosted by the California State University, Chico and will take place in early June through mid-July, 2016.
Candidates should be mid-career, highly-motivated and experienced secondary school educators. Ideal candidates are secondary school teachers, teacher trainers, curriculum developers, textbook
writers, ministry of education officials, secondary school administrators, or other related professionals with responsibility for secondary education. Ideal candidates for Secondary Educator Institutes are individuals who are seeking to introduce or enhance aspects of U.S. studies into their curricula or to offer specialized seminars/workshops for education professionals in U.S. studies or related fields. While the nominee's scholarly and professional credentials are an important consideration, the potential impact and multiplier effect of the Institute is equally important. Ideal candidates will have little or no prior experience in the United States.
Participants are expected to attend all institute working sessions and non-optional organized activities and to complete assigned readings. Family members and/or friends may not accompany participants on any part of the program. The institute is very intensive and there will be little time for personal pursuits unrelated to the program.
The deadline for submitting applications for one of these programs is December 20, 2015.
Please submit your application forms to the Academic Exchanges Office of the Embassy no later than December 20. Applications need to be sent by e-mail to USGExchanges@gmail.com. For any questions, please call the Academic Exchanges Office at (495) 728-5000, ext. 4885, (495) 728-5242 or e-mail lazarevaja@state.gov.