Educator Exchange - Profiles of Active Exchange Programs

SPAIN VISITING TEACHER PROGRAM

Embassy of Spain Education Office
2375 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037

Contact: See contact list for each office.
Phone: 202/728-2335
FAX: 202/728-2313 http://www.spainembedu.org

Background Information:

Host sites:*
California USA
Connecticut USA
Florida USA
Georgia USA
Maryland USA
New Mexico USA
Texas USA Washington USA

Year program began: Since 1986 in California; 1998 extended to other states in the list shown above

Type of exchange: One-way

Participants: Teachers

Program size: Over 400 in California

Grade levels represented: K-12 Subject areas represented: English; Spanish

Duration: One to six years

Financial support: Spanish government pays for round-trip travel, as well as lodging and breakfast for each district representative who travels to Spain for the screening of teachers. School districts assume the cost of other meals and other incidental fees.

Criteria for participation: Currently teaching with at least six months of service; completion of a Spanish teacher-preparation program; pass the English Cambridge Proficiency exam; have background and skill needed by the participating school districts; submit a complete portfolio documenting education and experience; comply with the state or district's specific credentialing requirements.

Recruitment procedures: The Spanish Ministry of Science and Education advertises in the Spanish National Bulletin the availability of teaching positions. The bulletin also indicates requirements for applicants.

Program Goals

To place teachers from Spain in K-12 public schools where their Spanish skills and their professional background and experience can enrich the education of students
To assist in meeting the need for Spanish bilingual teachers and teachers of Spanish as a foreign language of students in public schools
To provide Spanish teachers, U.S. students, teachers, and the general public with a cross-cultural experience that can foster mutual understanding and respect
To create opportunities for teachers from Spain to build their professional expertise and English language skills

Exchange Activities

Teachers assigned to places that have Spanish foreign language classes, transitional and immersion classes
Participate in team-teaching arrangements
May be placed in Spanish/English as a second language class if teacher has second language acquisition background
Attend orientation sessions and professional development activities designed to meet needs of visiting teachers
Prepare for each state's or district's credentialing requirements
Participate in professional activities and as a resource

Other Information

For more information about the visiting teacher program, contact one of the Spanish Resource Centers or Spanish Embassy Education Offices.

* Names of cities not available.

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