2023 STUDY OF THE U.S. INSTITUTES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATORS
PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
The Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators (SUSIs) are intensive post-graduate level academic programs that provide foreign secondary school educators and administrators the opportunity to deepen their understanding of U.S. society, culture, values, and institutions. The program goal is to strengthen curricula and to enhance the quality of teaching about the United States in secondary schools and other academic institutions abroad.
Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators will take place at various academic institutions throughout the United States over the course of five weeks beginning in June 2023. Each Institute includes a four-week academic residency component and, if possible, a one-week integrated study tour to another region of the United States
Please email completed applications with the Subject line “SUSI Application 2023” to: PublicAffairs-Ndjamena@state.gov
Link to download the application form: SUSI Application Form 2023 – Updated
APPLICATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 30, 2022.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators (SUSIs) will provide experienced secondary school educators (including teachers, administrators, teacher trainers, curriculum developers, textbook writers, Ministry of Education officials, and others) with a deeper understanding of U.S. society, education, and culture – past and present. The Institutes focus on providing content and materials for participants to develop high school level curricula about the United States.
Through a combination of traditional, multi-disciplinary, and interdisciplinary approaches, program content will examine the history and evolution of U.S. institutions and values, broadly defined. The programs will also serve to illuminate contemporary political, social, and economic debates in American society. The four-week academic residencies will take place at U.S. university and college campuses and will consist of a balanced series of lectures, panels, seminar discussions, readings, workshops, site visits, meetings with practitioners in the field, and cultural activities. One-week study tours to a different region will complement the academic residencies and showcase the cultural, geographic, and ethnic diversity of the United States. The program features curriculum based on the study of how America’s foundations and historical development have shaped and continue to inform U.S. politics, economics, and society. A key cultural component of the program involves community service activities, which will provide participants with a first-hand experience of how volunteerism plays a vital role in U.S. civil society. The program will offer multiple opportunities for follow-on engagement through alumni webinars, grant-funded follow-on projects, social media, and an alumni workshop.
Program Funding: All participant costs will be covered including program administration; travel and ground transportation in the United States; cultural, housing, subsistence, mailing, books, and incidental allowances. If the program is conducted virtually, ECA will work with UM to provide a technology stipend to participants.
Program Requirements and Restrictions: All participants are expected to participate fully in the program. The Institute is not a research program. Participants must attend all lectures and organized activities and complete assigned readings. If the program is conducted virtually, the same participation requirements apply. Note that Institute curriculum will not formally address teaching methodology and pedagogical methods.
Housing and Meal Arrangements: When possible, each participant will have a private room with a shared bathroom during the residency portion (four weeks) of the Institute. However, private room accommodations are not guaranteed. During the study tour (one week), participants will likely share a hotel room with another participant of the same gender. During the residency, housing will typically be in college or university owned housing or nearby hotels. Most meals will be provided at campus facilities, though participants may have access to a kitchen to cook some meals on their own.
Virtual Program Contingency: Should health, safety, and travel conditions pose significant challenges to the program, the SUSIs will pivot to a virtual format. The virtual program will consist of a minimum of 36 hours of required programming and will be a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning. To the extent possible, the virtual programming will include lectures, small group discussions, videos, readings, panels, site visits, assignments, and individual and group activities. Participants will be required to fully participate in the entire virtual program from their location.
Connectivity: Participants should have access to a computer and a stable internet connection for virtual pre-departure orientation sessions. If a participant does not have a computer or adequate internet access, the University of Montana (UM) will work with the participant to facilitate access on an as-needed basis.
CANDIDATE DESCRIPTION AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Study of the U.S. Institutes are highly competitive. Priority will be given to candidates who have firm plans to enhance, update or develop courses and/or educational materials with U.S. studies focus or component, who have no prior or limited experience in the United States, and who have special interest in the institute topic as demonstrated through past scholarship, accomplishments, and professional duties.
Candidates should be mid-career, typically between the ages of 30-50, highly motivated, experienced secondary school teachers and administrators.
Ideal candidates are individuals whose home institution is seeking to introduce aspects of U.S. studies into its curricula, to develop new courses in the subject of the Institute, to enhance and update existing courses on the United States, or to offer specialized seminars/workshops for professionals in U.S. studies areas related to the program theme. While the nominees’ scholarly and professional credentials are an important consideration, the potential impact and multiplier effect from their participation in the Institute is equally important. Ideal candidates will have little or no prior experience living in or visiting the United States.
As noted above, candidates must demonstrate English language fluency. Institutes are rigorous and demanding academic programs conducted entirely in English. Participants will be expected to read and comprehend substantial written materials and assignments in English and to participate in all seminar and panel discussions fully and actively. English fluency is vital to a successful experience in the Institute, for participants as individuals and to foster a cohesive and interactive group. Posts must indicate the level of English language fluency on the nomination form.
Candidates should be willing and able to fully take part in an intensive post-graduate level academic program. Individuals should be comfortable with campus life and an active program schedule
Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the website page to obtain general information about the Institutes : http://exchanges.state.gov/susi.