TEACHING EXCELLENCE AND ACHIEVEMENT (TEA) PROGRAM
A program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA),
implemented by IREX
The Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) Program provides international teachers with a unique opportunity to develop greater expertise in their subject areas, enhance their teaching skills, and increase their knowledge about the United States. The TEA Program is a six-week non-degree, non-credit customized academic program including seminars on new teaching methodologies, curriculum development, lesson planning, and instructional technology. Participants also take part in a practicum in a U.S. secondary school near their host university where they work closely with U.S. teachers and teach, co-teach and present information about their home countries to U.S. students. Cultural enrichment, mentoring, and support are provided throughout the program. The international participants will travel to the United States for one of two six-week professional development programs in either spring of 2018 or fall of 2018.
After returning home, teachers who successfully complete the program will be eligible to compete for small grant awards for essential teaching materials, training for other teachers, collaborative projects between participating American schools and their home schools, and other activities that build on the exchange experience.
The TEA fellowship is fully funded and provides:
- J-1 visa support;
- pre-departure orientation held in the participant’s home country
- Round-trip airfare to and within the U.S;
- A Welcome Program in Washington, D.C.;
- Academic program fees;
- Housing (generally shared with other program fellows) and meals;
- Accident and sickness medical insurance coverage;
- Transportation to the teaching practicum school
(if necessary); - A daily allowance for meals and incidentals during the academic program;
- A baggage allowance;
- A professional development allowance; and
- The opportunity to apply for alumni small grants.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Current secondary school-level*, full-time teachers in an institution serving primarily a local population;
- A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent;
- Five or more years of classroom experience as a teacher of English, English as a Foreign Language (EFL), Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies, including special education teachers in those subject areas;
- Citizens of and residents in Armenia
- Proficient in written and spoken English with a TOEFL score of 450 on the paper based TOEFL or an equivalent English language examination**;
- Demonstrated commitment to continue teaching after completion of the program; and
- A complete application.
* Secondary-level teachers include both middle and high school teachers working with students between approximately 12 and 18 years of age. Teachers responsible for teaching additional grade levels must teach middle or high school students more than 50% of their work time in order to be eligible for the program.
**A limited number of participants with TOEFL scores between 425 and 450, or equivalent, will be accepted for the program in a special cohort that will include additional English language training as part of the professional development program.
The Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program promotes diversity in the classroom and in learning. The TEA Program supports inclusion and strongly encourages teachers with disabilities to apply.
To Apply
Applications for the Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program can be obtained and submitted by contacting: teayerevan@state.gov; 010494211 or 010494410