STARTALK is the newest of the component programs of the U.S. National Security Language Initiative (NSLI).
This program seeks to expand and improve upon the teaching and learning of strategically important world languages that
are not widely taught in American schools.
Bangor Chinese School's 2013 Teacher Program
Program description:
This is an intensive three-week (meeting on the site for two weeks) professional development program for current and
prospective teachers of Chinese or other foreign languages.
The goal is to strengthen participants’ theoretical knowledge and practical experience about teaching Chinese as a foreign language.
Learners will become familiar with the National Standards, ACTFL Guidelines, our State Education Department’s foreign language objectives,
international standards in teaching Chinese, and methods used in implementing these standards in the classroom.
Participants will have the opportunity to teach lessons to real students and receive feedback from both their peers and
professional development specialists.
At the conclusion of this program, students should be able to develop standards-based, culturally-rich units and lesson plans,
integrate assessment strategies, culture, and technology in their teaching, and differentiate instruction for diverse learners.
The teachers will develop new instructional strategies and have more hands-on experiences in motivating and engaging
students in learning Chinese language and culture.
Major focus:
"Educating Exceptional Students", which is one of the courses
required by Maine State language teacher certification
Hands-on Chinese teaching experiences with actual students
Understanding of national foreign language standards and ACTFL Guidelines
Standards-based lessons and units development
Teaching strategies, classroom management, instruction differentiation, assessments and
performance-based principles
Employment of instructional technology
Meet language experts and share experiences
6 CEUs or 3 credits will be available
Pre-requisites:
Professional or pre-professional status
A serious interest in teaching Chinese
A commitment to multiculturalism
A willingness to make language study accessible to students who might not
otherwise be able to participate
Information on career options and pathways to certification:
One full session will be devoted to introducing the process, requirements of, and detailed information regarding Maine’s initial teacher certification.
This will be offered by a panel of educational experts and officials from the State of Maine Department of Education and the Husson School of Education.
Eligible to participate: teachers of Chinese, potential teachers of Chinese, and interested others
Date and time of on site meeting: June 21 – July 6, 2021; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (June 16-18: read and study
assigned material that will be sent by email; June 22-26, lecture and workshop;
June 29-July 3, practice teaching projects and then teach in real class; July 5-6: complete all
assignments and projects, wrap up the program)
Registration fee:
Registration fee is $50 per semester per participant.
Cost of three weeks: No cost to participate the program; room and board are covered by the program; and $550 tuition co-pay for
who want 3 credits. Spaces are very limited. Please apply ASAP.
Location:Husson University in Bangor, Maine
Instructors:
Language experts from Universities statewide.
How to register?
Please download the registration forms and rerurn it to: 5 Woodview Drive, Bangor, Maine 04401.
For more information, please call Jing at (207) 990-0710; or email us at jingzhang@bangorchinese.com. First
come first serve base, so register early!
Lunch & snacks:
Lunch (Chinese food) and snacks will be provided to participants during on site meeting: dumplings, noodles, rice,
dishes, fruits, and drinks.