The program is currently closed.

The Embassy is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the E-Teacher Scholarship Program. E-Teacher offers professional development opportunities to foreign English language teaching (ELT) educators through intensive online courses provided by a U.S. institution. Courses introduce participants to current English language teaching methods and techniques and provide participants direct access to U.S. ELT experts. Courses emphasize a learner-centered approach to language teaching and are conducted entirely in English. Participant costs, including tuition and course materials, are all covered by the U.S. Department of State. Participants who successfully finish a course receive a certificate of completion from the course provider.

Currently one 10-week online course is offered: Winter 2015 (January 5, 2014 – March 13, 2014). Only one of the courses (PALSS) requires real-time online interaction. For the other courses participants use online tools to participate in discussion boards and complete individual and group assignments. Up to 26 top performers in the E-Teachers online courses will be invited to participate in an in-person professional development exchange in the United States in Fall 2015.

COURSES:

Course titles are listed below. More information about the courses can be found in the file attached.

1. Introduction to Pedagogy and Practices for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL Methods)
2. Building Teaching Skills through the Interactive Web (Web Skills)
3. Practical Applications in Language and Learning Skills (PALSS)
4. English for Specific Purposes, Aligning Context with Practices and Materials (ESP)
5. Teaching English to Pre-teens and Teens (TEPT)
6. Teaching English to Young Learners (TEYL)
7. Summative and Formative Assessment in Language Learning and Teaching (Assessment)
8. Critical Thinking in Language Learning and Teaching (CT)
9. Shaping the Way We Teach English (MOOC)

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

E-Teachers candidates should be current ELT professionals (e.g. teachers, teacher trainers, program administrators). They should be highly motivated individuals who are dedicated to their own professional development and to sharing the knowledge they gain with colleagues in their local area. In addition, candidates must:

• Be a citizen of and reside in Bulgaria at the time of the course
• Not hold dual citizenship in the United States
• Candidates must be able to apply through a U.S. Embassy in their country of origin
• Are able to dedicate time to complete the course (8-10+ hours/week)
• Possess required English language abilities:

1. High intermediate to advanced English language skills, particularly in reading and writing; be able to complete academic work at a U.S. university level (approximately equivalent to a 525 TOEFL / 70 TOEFL iBT)
2. Participants must be able to complete academic work at a U.S. university level.  Language-level accommodations are not made in the courses.

• Have a general understanding of English technical terms relating to digital technology and the Internet and meet internet access and technology skills requirements

1. Regular access (4-5 times / week) to a reliable, up-to-date computer with high-speed internet connectivity. Mobile phones cannot be used to access the current course format.
2. Basic technology skills related to email, internet searches and downloads/uploads, logins/passwords, and e-file use (e.g.  .pdf, MS Word, MS Excel)
3. Practical Applications in Listening and Speaking Skills (PALSS) participants require access to real-time tools such as Skype
4. Ability to type in English well enough to perform online tasks and to submit written assignments in a timely manner