U.S. Embassy Tokyo: English Language Teacher Program 2021

Deadline: 31-Mar-21

The U.S. Embassy Tokyo’s Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit proposals for English teacher training projects to improve the communicative English language teaching skills of Japanese elementary and secondary school teachers.

Program Objectives

In an effort to enhance English language education in Japan to foster the young generation who can compete in and contribute to the global society, the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) has started implementing a new policy since April 2020 to teach English as a regular subject starting for the fifth and sixth graders.
The U.S. Embassy has set strengthening English language education as a Mission priority and is committed to providing Japanese teachers of English with Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) opportunities to improve their English teaching, with the ultimate goal of promoting more student exchange between the United States and Japan.
The Embassy welcomes proposals that address this complex issue, for either elementary school teachers of English or secondary school teachers of English.

Funding Information

Length of performance period: Up to 24 months;
Number of awards anticipated: 2-3 awards (dependent on amounts);
Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $64,000;
Total available funding: $128,000;
Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 2 years or less.

Funding Restrictions

The following types of projects or activities are not eligible for funding:

Projects relating to partisan political activity;
Charitable or development activities;
Construction projects;
Projects that support specific religious activities;
Fund-raising campaigns;
Lobbying for specific legislation or projects;
Scientific research;
Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;
Projects seeking funds for personal use;
Projects that require participation fees.

Participants and Audiences

Elementary School Teachers of English or Secondary School Teachers of English.
Priority Region: Japan.

Eligibility Criteria

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations.
Public and private educational institutions.
Public international organizations and governmental institutions.
Individuals.

Evaluation Criteria

Each application will be evaluated and rated using the criteria outlined below.

Quality and Feasibility of the Program Idea – 25 points: The program idea is well developed, with detail about how program activities will be carried out. The proposal includes a reasonable implementation timeline.
Organizational Capacity and Record on Previous Grants – 25 points: The organization has expertise in its stated field and has the internal controls in place to manage federal funds. This includes a financial management system and a bank account.
Program Planning/Ability to Achieve Objectives – 15 points: Goals and objectives are clearly stated and the program approach is likely to provide maximum impact in achieving the proposed results.
Budget – 10 points: The budget justification is detailed. Costs are reasonable in relation to the proposed activities and anticipated results. The budget is realistic, accounting for all necessary expenses to achieve proposed activities.
Monitoring and Evaluation Plan – 15 points: Applicant demonstrates the ability to measure program success against key indicators and provides milestones to indicate progress toward goals outlined in the proposal. The program includes output and outcome indicators and shows how and when those will be measured.
Sustainability – 10 points: Program activities will continue to have a positive impact after the end of the program.