Deadline: 30-Dec-21
The American Embassy solicits applications for the summer 2022 Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators.
The Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Secondary Educators (Teachers) are intensive universitylevel programs with integrated study tours whose purpose is to provide foreign secondary school educators and administrators the opportunity to deepen their understanding of U.S. society, culture, values, and institutions.
The ultimate goal of the Institute is to strengthen curricula and to enhance the quality of teaching about the United States in secondary schools and other academic institutions abroad. This is a fully funded program.
Each Institute will have approximately 20 participants and will be conducted by various colleges, universities, and academic institutions throughout the United States beginning in or after June 2022. Each Institute will include a four-week academic residency component and a one-week integrated study tour to another region of the United States.
Exact dates for the program will be determined at a later time. The Institutes will be conducted as traditional in-person programs at U.S. host institutions. Should health, safety, and travel conditions continue to pose significant challenges, the programs will pivot to a modified virtual format.
The Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators (SUSIs) will provide three multinational groups of 20 experienced secondary school educators (including teachers, administrators, 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 focus of the Institutes will be on providing content and materials for participants to develop high school level curricula about the United States. Two of the Institutes are tailored for secondary school teachers; please note that the Institutes for Teachers focus on content and materials about the United States rather than teaching methods and pedagogy.
The third Institute is tailored for experienced administrators including teacher trainers, curriculum developers, textbook writers, Ministry of Education officials, and others.
Requirements and Restrictions
- All participants are expected to participate fully in the program. Candidates should be aware that they are applying for an intensive program and there will be little time for personal pursuits unrelated to the program.
- The Institute is not a research program. Participants must attend all lectures and organized activities and complete assigned readings. Family members and/or friends may not accompany participants on any part of the program.
- Please note that Institute curriculum will not formally address teaching methodology and pedagogical methods. If the program is conducted virtually, the same participation requirements apply.
- Should health, safety, and travel conditions continue to pose significant challenges, the SUSI will pivot to a virtual format. The virtual program will consist of a minimum of 36 hours of required programming and will be a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning.
- To the extent possible, the virtual programming will include lectures, small group discussions, videos, readings, panels, site visits, assignments, and individual and group activities. Participants are required to fully participate in the entire virtual program from their home location outside the United States.
Qualifications
- Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators are highly competitive. Priority will be given to candidates who have firm plans to enhance, update or develop courses and/or educational materials with U.S. studies focus or component, who have no prior or limited experience in the United States, and who have a special interest and experience in the field of secondary education and the program subject areas as demonstrated through past scholarship, accomplishments, and professional duties.
- Candidates should be mid-career, typically between the ages of 30-50, highly motivated and experienced secondary school teachers and administrators.
- Ideal candidates 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 from their participation in the Institute is equally important.
- Candidates must demonstrate English language fluency. Institutes are rigorous and demanding academic programs conducted entirely in English. Participants will be expected to read and comprehend substantial written assignments in English and to fully and actively participate in all seminar and panel discussions.
- English fluency is vital to a successful experience in the Institute, for the participants as individuals and to foster cohesive and interactive group.
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) are not eligible for these programs.
For more information, visit https://mg.usembassy.gov/susi-2022-call-for-application/