From: Bolan, Bernadette [mailto:BBolan@iie.org]
Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 9:45 AM
To: bbolan@iie.org
Subject: Educators To Saudi Arabia - professional development opprotunity
June 12, 2008
Dear Education Administrator:
The Educators to Saudi Arabia Program is a competitive, fully-funded professional development opportunity for U.S. Social Studies teachers and Teacher-Librarians (grades 1-12). The program seeks to increase U.S. educators’ knowledge and understanding of Saudi Arabia, and to enhance their ability to teach about Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
The next program will take place from December 9 to 22, 2008. Twenty-five participants will be selected from among all fifty states, and will travel to Saudi Arabia for a fully-funded, 10-day study-tour focusing on education, science and technology, history, and culture. During the study visit, participants will hear from experts in each of the theme areas and visit elementary and secondary schools, areas of cultural and historical significance, and modern industrial facilities.
Comments from past participants highlight the program’s educational and professional benefits:
“Since my trip to Saudi Arabia, I can now add the details to my teaching. I can go over the clothes people wear, what a souk smells like and how women interact with each other as opposed to males. These little factors add up to significant teachable moments that bring teaching to life. Opportunities like this are invaluable. I returned from Saudi Arabia energized and enthused and very excited to teach Saudi history and culture to my students.”
“Saudi Arabia, particularly, is a location that is not widely covered in typical social studies textbooks, and the treasure trove of materials, observations, and new learning received as a participant of this program has truly given me the skills to better animate this country and its people. My students are the lucky recipients, and the benefits of this opportunity will resonate in my teaching for years to come.”
“I believe that my teaching will improve immensely because I can incorporate what I saw and heard first hand. This gives me greater credibility and brings excitement into the classroom.”
Applications for the Educators to Saudi Arabia Program are now available online. Social Studies teachers and Teacher-Librarians, grades 1-12, with at least 3 years of teaching experience, are invited to apply. The application due date is July 7, 2008.
Attached, you will find a program brochure. The deadline for application is rapidly approaching, so your help in spreading the word to your teachers will be greatly appreciated. Most past grant winners say that they applied because their administration gave them the flier.
Thank you for helping to get the word out about this professional development opportunity for your teachers. If you have any questions or would like more information, visit our website at www.iie.org/esap or please do not hesitate to contact me by email at esap@iie.org or by phone at (toll-free)1-800-671-0130.
Sincerely,
Bernadette Bolan
Educators to Saudi Arabia Team
Bernadette Bolan
Administrative Associate
Professional and Global Exchanges
Institute of International Education
1400 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: 202-326-7814
Fax 202-326-7696
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