DUSHANBE, January 13, 2016, Asia-Plus – The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe says the Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) Program is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), U.S. Department of State and implemented by IREX.

The Program reportedly provides international teachers with unique opportunities to develop expertise in their subject areas, enhance their teaching skills, and increase their knowledge about the United States.

TEA consists of a six-week non-degree, non-credit customized academic program including seminars on new teaching methodologies, curriculum development, lesson planning, and instructional technology.  Participants will also participate in a practicum in a U.S. secondary school near their host university to work closely with U.S. teachers and teach and present to U.S. students.  Cultural enrichment, mentoring, and support will be provided throughout the program. The international participants will travel to the United States in two cohorts of approximately 75 teachers each in spring or fall 2017.

Upon returning home, TEA program alumni are eligible to apply for small grants for essential teaching materials, follow-on training for other teachers, collaborative projects between schools in their home country and the United States, and other activities that build on their U.S. experience.