February 21, 2006
Professional Development Opportunity at WKU
This program is now full. No additional applications will be accepted.
A year-long program in professional development for P-12 Kentucky World Languages teachers begins this spring through the Department of Modern Languages at Western Kentucky University. The program is funded through the Improving Teacher Quality grant program of the Council on Post-Secondary Education.
Applications are sought from emergency certified teachers and those with alternate certification, as well as recently-certified teachers and those with little or no direct experience with cultures of the languages they teach. The purpose of the program is for participants to refine language abilities, gain a deeper cultural knowledge, and work with teacher mentors and partners to develop a standards-based, content-related unit of study.
Call for Application and Registration Form: Word → | PDF →
Supervisor Recommendation Form: Word → | PDF →
The program includes these professional development opportunities and activities:
- A professional development workshop on developing standards-based units of study and on the LinguaFolio Kentucky! assessment tool at Western Kentucky University on April 21-22, 2006. This event includes pre-departure orientation for:
- A two-week immersion program in summer 2006 at one of the following locations:
Mexico in June (Oaxaca, tentative dates June 4 - 17, 10 spaces)
Mexico in July (Oaxaca, tentative dates July 9-25, 2006, 10 spaces)
France in June (Dijon, dates June 2-14, 2006; spaces for 3 teacher-administrator* pairs, additional advance training 2-3 days in late spring)
Germany (Berlin/Dresden, tentative dates late June 17-30, 4 spaces)
- Option to earn undergraduate or graduate credit for summer program and follow-up (tuition fee for 3 credits hours is $150)
- Development of units of study; mentoring and a class observation by a mentor teacher
- Follow-up workshops and presentations of participant achievements at Western Kentucky University in April 2007
- Attendance at the fall 2006 KWLA conference
Applications are being accepted now. A complete application includes:
1. The attached application form and a short essay
2. Two self-assessment documents from Linguafolio! Kentucky (1 page each):
Find both at http://oapd.kde.state.ky.us/lf/default.htm
a. “History of Language Learning and Intercultural Experiences” (under Biography, Templates; include teacher certification information on this form)
b. “Self-Assessment Grid” (under Passport, Download your Passport, p. 4) with your ability level circled in each category
3. Supervisor Recommendation Form (confidential, to be mailed by that person)
4. A check for $300 that goes towards program-related travel, made out to Western Kentucky University (refunded if you are not accepted into the program). Other summer travel expenses, program fees as well as travel to workshops in April 2006 and 2007, and the KWLA in 2006 are covered by the program. Optional tuition fee for 3 hours WKU undergraduate or graduate credit is not and costs $150.