Startalk is a program funded by the National Security Language Initiative (NSLI) through the National Foreign Language Center (NFLC) at the University of Maryland. Its goals are to increase the number of qualified teachers of the critical languages, defined as Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, Swahili, Turkish, and Urdu, and to increase the numbers of students studying these languages (www.startalk.umd.edu).
Seattle Public Schools has 12 slots available for fluent speakers of the critical languages listed above to take the first 6 credits towards teacher certification in the state of Washington through Pacific Lutheran University’s alternate route program. Coursework will take place July 11-29 at the John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence, located at 2445 3rd Ave. S., Seattle, 98134. A 9 day teaching practicum in language camp (June 28-July 8) precedes the coursework. Stipends given for camp time. A five credit, tuition based world language methods class is available spring quarter from the UW.
Candidates must be fluent in one of the above languages, hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, and take the state required WEST B tests of reading, writing and math. In addition, candidates must pass the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and the Written Proficiency Test (WPT) for the language they wish to teach.
For the OPI test:
See http://www.languagetesting.com/acad_to_apply.htm for application instructions.
To register, you will download, print, fill, and mail (or fax) the following three forms:
- OPI Proctor Agreement (http://www.languagetesting.com/downl..._AGREEMENT.pdf)
- WPT Proctor Agreement (http://www.languagetesting.com/downl..._AGREEMENT.pdf)
- ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) Application form (http://www.languagetesting.com/downl...ation_0606.doc)
If your bachelor’s degree is from outside the US, you must have it evaluated by an outside agency for equivalency. Below is listed a nearby evaluation agency:
Foundation for International Services
21540 30th Dr. SE, Suite 320
Bothell, WA 98021 (425) 487- 2245; fax (425) 487-1989
Diane C. Hurley
Director of Evaluations
www.fis-web.com
dchurley@fix-web.com
Interested candidates should send a resume to Betty Lau at belau@seattleschools.org. An interview will be arranged. For more information, contact Betty Lau at the above e-mail address.
Categories
