WASHINGTON, D.C. /eNewsChannels/ — The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in the U.S. Department of State and the TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) International Association are launching a joint effort to connect teachers of and resources for English language teaching (ELT) in the United States with parties or entities with ELT needs outside the United States. The goal of the partnership is to utilize the networks, expertise, and resources of both the State Department and TESOL to respond to the global demand for English language teaching and learning.
This initiative will build a public-private partnership with academic institutions, government and non-government organizations, professional associations, private sector businesses, and other U.S. government agencies to advance ELT worldwide. The goal is to:
· Provide quality information and networking opportunities for individuals and organizations in countries with growing needs for ELT and interest in accessing ELT expertise and cultural resources from the United States;
· Support foreign institutions with their strategies to promote effective English language learning and capacity building;
· Work in coordination with U.S. companies, universities, publishers, and other stakeholders to enhance their international outreach and operations; and
· Expand countries’ access to U.S.-based English language resources and expertise.
The U.S. Department of State and TESOL partnership debuted this week during International Education Week. In March 2012, the State Department will host an inaugural partnership roundtable at the TESOL conference.
The initiative will expand collaboration with the private sector to leverage resources in support of advancing English language teaching globally.
