After a last-minute change of plans (the Chinese Government REJECTED my dossier because I had been previously employed by Amnesty International), I have been re-assigned to MEXICO!
For 10 months, starting in September 2010, I will be a Senior Fellow representing the US State Department, based in Mexico City.
Stay tuned for more details, but for now, here is more information about the position...
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Senior Fellow will provide tailor-made training to teacher trainers, teacher supervisors, classroom teachers, and teacher trainees in the form of three-to five-day workshops. The Senior Fellow will cater to a wide audience, consisting of those who work for federal and state secretariats of education, public universities, and teacher training colleges (Escuelas Normales) throughout the country. The Senior Fellow will also help the institutions mentioned above with program design, updating of teaching methods, and revamping of curriculum by providing guidance, advice, expertise, and an outsider’s more objective point of view. Finally, the Senior Fellow will participate in regional and national conferences as a plenary speaker, featured speaker, or regular presenter.
Secondary project duties will include working with: American Culture, Support Mentoring, Teachers Association/Organization, and Workshops/Seminars. Secondary duties will mainly consist of preparing for workshops and presentations by keeping in touch with hosts and doing the necessary research.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES:
In past years, the Senior Fellow has allowed the U.S. Embassy to respond in a timely and consistent fashion to multiple requests with great flexibility and minimal cost. This position allows for a consistent message of professional development and Embassy support throughout Mexico. It allows us to respond to well-developed requests from elementary through university levels, continuing work begun in 2006. A Senior Fellow representing the Embassy increases the Embassy's visibility at national, regional, and local events and allows for follow-up activities. Country goals will be better served by providing country-wide visibility than by assigning a Fellow to a single institution. Following in the footsteps of previous Fellows (2006-2010), who provided a combined total of around 800 hours of training and lectures to about 2,000 teachers in 16 different Mexican states, the incoming Senior Fellow will be expected to make a widespread impact on the teaching community in Mexico, and to consolidate the Embassy’s achievements.
ABOUT THE HOST INSTITUTION:
The Benjamin Franklin Library, located in Mexico City, is part of the U.S. Embassy in Mexico. The library has a strong reputation among teachers and learners and has provided the Embassy with invaluable contacts and increased visibility. In addition to disseminating information about American society, values, and culture, the Library houses an Educational Advising Center to promote study in the U.S. It is also only one block away from COMEXUS, the bi-national Fulbright Office.
