Call for Building English Teaching Capacity for STEM in Brazil

Deadline: 01-Jul-2026

The U.S. Embassy in Brasília has launched a professional development exchange program designed to strengthen the capacity of Brazilian English teachers working in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. The initiative focuses on improving STEM-integrated English instruction through a U.S.-based training exchange followed by structured virtual learning and action plan implementation.

The program supports the development of advanced teaching methodologies that integrate language learning with technical STEM content, aiming to improve classroom outcomes and international academic readiness for students in Brazil.

About the Program

This initiative is implemented by the U.S. Embassy in Brasília in collaboration with the Regional English Language Office (RELO). It is designed to enhance English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) and strengthen STEM-focused English teaching practices in Brazil.

The program combines international exchange, classroom observation, co-teaching experiences, and follow-up online training to ensure long-term impact on teaching practice and institutional development.

Purpose of the Program

The primary goal is to improve the quality and effectiveness of English instruction in STEM education settings.

Key objectives include:

• Strengthening STEM-integrated English teaching capacity in Brazil
• Promoting English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) in STEM subjects
• Supporting bilingual education and Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) approaches
• Enhancing technical and academic English instruction
• Improving assessment methods for STEM-related language learning
• Supporting workforce readiness through English proficiency
• Building long-term U.S.–Brazil educational collaboration

Program Structure

The initiative is designed as a two-phase professional development experience:

• A two to three-week in-person exchange program in the United States
• A two-week online follow-up course conducted approximately two months after participants return to Brazil

The structure ensures both experiential learning and sustained application of training outcomes in local educational contexts.

Training and Learning Components

Participants will engage in a range of professional development activities, including:

• School visits to institutions supporting multilingual or ESL learners
• Classroom observation and instructional practice analysis
• Co-teaching with U.S. educators
• Workshops on STEM scaffolding techniques and instructional design
• Training in bilingual education frameworks and CLIL methodologies
• Development of professional communication and leadership skills
• Exposure to innovative assessment practices in STEM education
• Cultural exchange activities including excursions and community engagement
• Home hospitality experiences to enhance cultural understanding

Focus Areas

The program emphasizes advanced pedagogical and content-specific training, including:

• English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) in STEM education
• Content-Based Instruction (CBI) and CLIL methodologies
• Technical and scientific English language development
• STEM-specific vocabulary and communication strategies
• Integration of digital learning tools in STEM classrooms
• Professional and academic communication skills
• Leadership development for educators
• Cross-cultural and international educational collaboration

Funding Information

The program is supported through a cooperative agreement model.

Key funding details include:

• Total funding range: $200,000 to $500,000
• Maximum available funding: $500,000 (subject to availability)
• One cooperative agreement award will be issued
• Funding provided under FY 2026 Fulbright-Hays statutory authority

Eligible Participants

The program is designed for education professionals meeting specific criteria.

Eligible participants include:

• Up to 30 Brazilian English teachers
• Educators working in STEM-related teaching environments
• Teachers involved in English language instruction linked to STEM subjects
• Professionals capable of implementing STEM-English methodologies in their institutions

Program Outcomes

The initiative aims to produce long-term educational improvements, including:

• Enhanced STEM-English instructional capacity in Brazilian schools
• Improved integration of English into STEM curricula
• Increased teacher confidence in EMI and CLIL approaches
• Stronger student access to global STEM knowledge resources
• Development of sustainable classroom innovation practices
• Strengthened U.S.–Brazil educational partnerships

Action Plan Development

A key component of the program is structured action planning.

Participants will:

• Develop measurable action plans during the exchange program
• Document learning and instructional strategies
• Identify applicable STEM-English interventions for local implementation
• Refine action plans during the online follow-up phase
• Share best practices within their schools and communities
• Support peer training and institutional knowledge transfer

Role of RELO

The Regional English Language Office (RELO) plays a central role in program implementation.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing guidance on participant selection
• Supporting curriculum and training design
• Overseeing exchange program activities
• Assisting in monitoring and evaluation
• Supporting post-program engagement and follow-up activities
• Ensuring alignment with U.S. English language teaching objectives

Importance of the Program

This initiative addresses the growing need for integrated STEM and English education in Brazil.

Key impacts include:

• Strengthening teacher capacity in STEM-focused English instruction
• Improving student readiness for global academic and professional environments
• Enhancing bilingual education approaches in STEM fields
• Promoting innovation in classroom teaching methods
• Supporting long-term educational reform in Brazil
• Expanding international collaboration in education and training

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the purpose of the program?
  It strengthens Brazilian teachers’ ability to teach English within STEM education using modern, integrated teaching methods.
• Who is organizing the program?
  The U.S. Embassy in Brasília in partnership with RELO.
• How many participants will be selected?
  Up to 30 Brazilian English teachers.
• What is the funding amount?
  Between $200,000 and $500,000 for one cooperative agreement award.
• What does the program include?
  A U.S. exchange, classroom observation, co-teaching, workshops, and online follow-up training.
• What teaching methods are emphasized?
  EMI, CLIL, CBI, STEM-English integration, and innovative assessment practices.
• Is there a follow-up component?
  Yes, a two-week online course is conducted after participants return to Brazil.

Conclusion

The U.S. Embassy Brasília STEM English Teaching Capacity Program is a structured professional development initiative that enhances the ability of Brazilian educators to integrate English language instruction within STEM education. Through a combination of international exchange, hands-on training, and follow-up implementation support, the program strengthens teaching capacity, promotes educational innovation, and fosters long-term collaboration between Brazil and the United States.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.