fullbright teacher exchange program

Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program

fulbrightteacherexchange.org

Sponsored by:U.S. Department of State

Bureau of Educational and Cultural AffairsOffice of Global Educational Programs

Administered by:Institute of International Education

Holly Emert, Ph.D., Institute of International Education (IIE)

INTRODUCTION


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FULBRIGHT TEACHER PROGRAMS OVERVIEW

• The Fulbright Program has 60+ year history and funding from the U.S. Department of State. Over 20,000 participating teachers to date.

• Fulbright teacher programs are administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in cooperation with the U.S. Department of State, Fulbright Commissions & U.S. Embassies/Consulates abroad, and U.S. and international K-12 schools and universities.

• There are two Fulbright Teacher Programs:• Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange (CTE) Program• Distinguished Fulbright Awards in Teaching (DA) Program

INTRODUCTION



FULBRIGHT TEACHER EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

FULBRIGHT CLASSROOM TEACHER EXCHANGE (CTE) PROGRAM

•Participating K-12 teachers exchange classroom teaching assignments and related school duties with an international teacher for one semester or year

•Participating countries for 2012-2013 are the Czech Republic, France, Hungary, India, Mexico, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom (36 matches, 1 individual)

DISTINGUISHED FULBRIGHT AWARDS IN TEACHING (DA) PROGRAM

•A one-way professional development program for K-12 educators (classroom teachers, media specialists, counselors, Special Ed/G&T coordinators)

•Participants go abroad for 3-6 months to:• Take 1-2 courses at a host university• Visit local K-12 schools to observe classes, guest lecture, and work with host country educators• Design and complete a Capstone Project of their own design that is of practical application

•Participating countries for 2012-2013 are Argentina, Finland, India, Israel, Mexico, Morocco, Singapore, South Africa and the United Kingdom (40 total)

CTE exchange teacher from the Czech Republic in Kansas

CTE exchange teacher from Hungary in Maryland


DISTINGUISHED FULBRIGHT AWARDS IN TEACHING (DA) PROGRAM

U.S. DA Teacher in South Africa

INTRODUCTION


CTE & DA PROGRAM BENEFITS

Teacher BenefitsCross-cultural understanding and skills Professional developmentStudy and observe international best practices in educationShare professional expertise with host country teachers and studentsDevelop leadership skillsDevelop networks

School BenefitsIntegration of global perspectives and methods into classroom practiceIncrease global awareness of students and staffIncreased ability to work with culturally diverse populationsDevelop cross-national school partnerships

Effective pre-departure preparation lays the foundation for these to occur.


PRE-DEPARTURE PREPARATION

Why is it necessary and worthwhile?

Living and working abroad for 3-12 months in a fully immersive setting requires adaptation and adjustment. Well-designed pre-departure preparation and ongoing support fosters a positive experience.

Pre-departure preparation assists teachers to:

•Set realistic personal and professional expectations•Become culturally self-aware and better able to adapt to the host culture•Prepare to work/teach in a new educational system (CTE)•Conduct independent research (DA)•Develop support networks•Learn about logistical and administrative details of their program


TYPES OF PRE-DEPARTURE PREPARATION

WRITTEN MATERIALS•General program materials (handbooks, cross-cultural guidelines, etc.)•Country-specific information•Examples of alumni projects (DA)•Recommended books

ONLINE RESOURCES•Website•Online facilitated workshops•Webinars (varied topics; taped and real-time)•Pre-departure surveys

DIRECT COMMUNICATION/MEETINGS•Staff communication with participants by telephone, email, Skype•Teacher & administrator May meetings (CTE)•Orientation Workshops

OTHER•Alumni support•Host country support networks


SAMPLE: CTE ONLINE MODULE

INTRODUCTION


PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION

SNAPSHOT: DA ORIENTATION ACTIVITIES

Morning:Welcome RemarksProgram and Orientation Overview Welcome Luncheon

Afternoon:Administrative SessionCapstone Project, part 1: Overview and Guidelines

Evening: Cultural event

Morning:Capstone Project, part 2: Content Area Meetings at Local Organizations Lunch

Afternoon: Presentation on cultureAlumni Panel PresentationCapstone Project, part 3: Country Group Discussions Evening: Closing Dinner at area restaurant

Morning:Reflecting on your Fulbright Program PreparationsOrientation Wrap-up and Concluding Remarks Completion of evaluation form Late Morning-Afternoon: Departures International teachers travel as group to UMD (IIE staff accompanies)U.S. teachers leave throughout day

INTRODUCTION


CTE &DA PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION PROGRAMS

INTRODUCTION



POST-PROGRAM FOLLOW-UP AND SUPPORT

• Follow-up with teachers soon after they return home to debrief experience and discuss personal and professional impact of the Fulbright experience

• Ongoing communication with teachers to learn about their post-program activities, to share program materials for outreach, to connect alumni with new participants and for future projects

• Alumni Grant Funds: Up to $5000 per year available to each teacher to: • Build on learning and relationships developed during the program• Foster mutual understanding• Promote internationalization of the K-12 classroom

• Fall 2012: Alumni Grant Workshop for U.S. DA Alumni



Thank you for your interest in the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program

www.fulbrightteacherexchange.org

SPONSORED BY: U.S. Department of State

Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs

fulbright.state.gov

ADMINISTERED BY:

Institute of International Education (IIE)

iie.org/fulbright

http://www.fulbrightteacherexchange.org/