School of Education

STARTALK 2012 program invites applicants for teacher training for Arabic, Chinese, Persian, Turkish, and Swahili.

WHY:

• To train teachers of the critical languages, Arabic, Chinese, Persian, Turkish and Swahili, in strateies to teach languages to young learners and establish programs in community settings

WHAT:

• Participate in an intense residential, professional development institute with on-line learning pre- and post-institute (readings, responses and final project completion)
• Learn how to teach languages to Pre-K to grade 6 youngsters using cutting edge age-appropriate teaching methods
• Design creative vibrant lessons, materials, & developmentally appropriate assessment
• Gain strong skills in community language advocacy & twice weekly afternoon practicum experiences at community-based sites such as the public library, preschools & Girls Inc.
• Receive six credits for two courses language teaching Methods & Practicum

WHO:

• Current and prospective teachers of Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Turkish, or Swahili who wish to learn age-appropriate teaching methods for young learners in a community setting
• University graduate or undergraduate students of Arabic, Chinese, Persian, Turkish, or Swahili who wish to add teaching credentials to their portfolio
• Class size is strictly limited to 10 graduate & 5 undergraduate students

WHEN:

• Online: May 14 – June 1, 2012   2-week online orientation and readings
• Onsite: June 8 – July 29, 2012   3-week residential program (methods, practicum and project development) on IU campus
• Online Projects due: August 20, 2012

WHERE:

• Residential program - School of Education, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN

PROVIDED:

• Tuition for two 3-credit courses
• Room & Board for out of town grantees
• In-town transportation to teaching sites
• Program materials including textbook

IU PARTNERS:

• Department of Literacy, Culture & Language Education of the School of Education
• Department of Near Eastern Languages & Cultures
• Center for the Study of Global Change
• Center for Social Studies and International Education
• Center for the Study of the Middle East

FUNDED BY: 

• STARTALK (a federal grant) & the National Foreign Language Center

CONTACT

• For program details & application forms, please e-mail jonesc@indiana.edu or call (812) 855-0447
• For course questions, please contact Prof. Martha Nyikos, nyikos@indiana.edu or (812) 856-8272

DOWNLOAD

• Application Form (Microsoft Word document)
• Information Flyer

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Download and complete the application form (MS Word) and save. Email the completed application form to Christi Jones (jonesc@indiana.edu).
2. Please write your APPLICATION ESSAY in English (maximum two pages) and send to Both Christi Jones (jonesc@indiana.edu) AND Prof. Martha Nyikos (nyikos@indiana.edu). Your statement must include:
   • Previous teaching experience (if any) of Arabic/Chinese/Persian/Turkish/Swahili language
   • What are the most important qualities of a language teacher? (List at least three).
   • What are your key goals for attending this institute?
   • This will be an open/flexible teaching situation. What experience do you have managing or teaching groups of children? How might you handle possible challenges? (for example: keeping up with readings and working with a partner whose strong opinions may differ from your own)
   • Name a community site/program in your area where you might teach. Please describe it. (e.g. library, youth groups, summer programs, day camps, daycare, scouting)
3. For any questions or concerns about application, please feel free to email Christi Jones (jonesc@indiana.edu) or call (812) 855-0447.

Application Deadline: April 28th, 2012

PLEASE NOTE: This program is designed only for participants currently in the United States who plan on teaching within the United States and its territories.