Claflin Intensive English Language Program Provides Instruction for Teachers from Panama
Feb 03, 2017
The Claflin University Intensive English Language Program (IELP) is providing training and instruction in the English language for 20 in-service teachers from Panama. The teachers began classes on January 14, and they will have completed eight-weeks of intensive coursework in English and in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) when the program ends on March 7.
"These are elementary teachers in Panama and we are helping them with methodologies and pedagogies that will improve their skills in the English language," said Dr. Eunjeong Lee, assistant professor and director of the Intensive English Language Program.
The teachers are participating in the Panama Bilingue Program, which began in 2014 and will continue until 2019. Funded by the Panamanian government, the program seeks to provide a solution to the huge need to prepare the population with English, so all Panamanians have access to employment opportunities.
Through this initiative, the Government of the Republic of Panama seeks to train at least 2,000 teachers per year in bilingual education and prepare 20,000 high school students and 30,000 elementary students. The program includes three parts: Teacher Training, After School Program and Kids.
"These teachers represent the first group to participate in the program at Claflin," said Lee. "A second cohort of teachers from Panama will arrive on March 27 for a 16 week-program."