Teachers of Critical Languages Program (TCLP) 2013 - 2014
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A Program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), U.S. Department of State Administered by American Councils for International Education in cooperation with the America-Mideast Educational and Training Services (AMIDEAST)-Cairo
 

Program Overview

The Teachers of Critical Languages Program seeks to increase the study and acquisition of important world languages in U.S. schools. This program enables primary and secondary schools in the U.S. to strengthen their teaching of Arabic and Mandarin by bringing Egyptian and Chinese teachers of English as a Foreign Language to teach Arabic and Chinese language and culture for an academic year. In addition, Arabic and Chinese teachers have the opportunity to learn more about U.S. teaching methodologies, culture, and society, as well as to improve their English language proficiency. The exchange teachers also serve as cultural resources in the host school and community.
 

Program Organizations

Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State

 
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State fosters mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries to promote friendly, and peaceful relations, as mandated by the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961.
 
ECA accomplishes its mission through a range of programs based on the benefits of mutual understanding, international educational and cultural exchange, and leadership development. ECA engages youth, students, educators, artists, athletes, and rising leaders in many fields in the United States and more than 160 countries through academic, cultural, sports, and professional exchanges. Striving to reflect the diversity of the United States and global society, ECA programs, funding, and other activities encourage the involvement of American and international participants from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities.
 
ECA exchange program alumni encompass over 1 million people around the world, including more than 40 Nobel Laureates and more than 300 current and former heads of state and government.
 

American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS

 
American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS, an international not-for-profit organization, believes in the fundamental role of education in fostering positive change for individuals, institutions and societies. Building upon over three decades of regional expertise and development experience, American Councils advances education and research worldwide through international programs that provide the global perspective essential for academic and professional excellence. In collaboration with partners around the world, American Councils designs and implements innovative and effective programs responsive to the cultures and needs of the international communities in which it works.
 

America-Mideast Educational and Training Services, Inc. (AMIDEAST)

America-Mideast Educational and Training Services, Inc. (AMIDEAST) is a private, nonprofit organization that strengthens mutual understanding and cooperation between Americans and the peoples of the Middle East and North Africa. Every year, AMIDEAST provides English language and professional skills training, educational advising, and testing services to hundreds of thousands of students and professionals in the Middle East and North Africa; supports numerous institutional development projects in the region; and implements educational exchange programs. Founded in 1951, AMIDEAST is headquartered in Washington, DC with a network of field offices in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, West Bank/Gaza, and Yemen.

 

Program Eligibility

Candidates will be considered without respect to race, color, religion, sexual orientation or gender. Competition for the TCLP is merit-based and open to anyone who:

  • Is a citizen of Egypt;
  • Is currently teaching English as a Foreign Language or Arabic as a Foreign Language in a K-12 school in Egypt;
  • At the time of application has at least four years of classroom teaching experience;
  • Has a firm understanding of Modern Standard Arabic (fus’ha);
  • Has at least a Bachelor’s degree;
  • Has English-language proficiency in written and spoken English; and
  • Has submitted a complete application package (please see Application Checklist).

Individuals in the following circumstances are NOT eligible for the TCLP:

  • U.S. citizens and permanent residents of the United States or their spouses;
  • Individuals currently participating in academic, training, or research programs in the United States;
  • Individuals who have applied for U.S. permanent residency in the past three years;
  • Individuals currently studying, residing, or working outside of Egypt; and
  • Individuals who have participated in an exchange visitor program sponsored by the U.S. government for a period of more than six weeks in the last five years.

Program Provisions

TCLP is fully funded through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), U.S. Department of State and provides:

·         J-1 visa support;
·         A pre-departure orientation held in the participant’s home country;
·         Round-trip airfare from each participant’s home city to and within the U.S.;
·         A two-week welcome orientation in Washington, DC;
·         An approximate 11-month teaching assignment in a U.S. host school;
·         Professional development workshops;
·         Accident and sickness insurance;
·         Assistance with finding housing, generally arranged by the U.S. host school/educational community;
·         Maintenance allowance of approximately $30,000 comprised of a maintenance stipend of $20,000 and an area housing allowance based on average housing prices for the assigned host community;
·         A Professional Development Fund of up to $400 allocated towards obtaining teaching resources, classroom improvement materials, and/or towards participation in professional development opportunities; and
·         Critical Language Projects funds awarded competitively to program alumni for projects that contribute to the development of critical language programs. 
 

Selection Process

 The U.S. Department of State and American Councils will convene an independent panel that will review the applications on the basis of the following:

  •         Professional and educational experience and achievements;
  •         Demonstrated leadership potential;
  •         Flexibility, maturity, and ability to participate in an international academic exchange;
  •         Ability to express ideas clearly and effectively;
  •         Demonstrated commitment to the teaching profession;
  •         Willingness to co-teach in the U.S. classroom; and
  •         Potential for developing long-term linkages between U.S. and Egyptian educational institutions and schools.
Preference will be given to applicants who currently live and teach in Upper Egypt, Delta and other remote areas such as Sinai and the New Valley
Exchange teachers cannot bring their dependents to the U.S. while on program, may not extend their program in the United States, and are required to return to Egypt after their program concludes in June 2014. Exchange teachers are also subject to the home residency requirement which obligates J-1 Exchange Program teachers to return to Egypt and reside there for two years following completion of their program.  
 
 
For more information please contact:
AMIDEAST-Cairo
ATTN: Teachers of Critical Languages Program
38 Mohie El Din Abo El-Ezz Street,
Dokki, Giza, Egypt
Phone:19263
Designated staff members: Nancy Fanous, Norhan El-Badry, Marwa Yehia, or Mariam Kamal, AMIDEAST Cairo Representative Office.

Application Deadline: January 9th, 2013.

 

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