Startalk Teacher Training
The NYU STARTALK program offers two, intensive teacher training workshops—one in Hindi and Urdu, and the other in Arabic, Dari, and Persian. Supported by a STARTALK grant from the National Foreign Language Center, these courses are part of a larger, ongoing U.S. government initiative to support increased training and education in "critical languages."
The intensive, 10-day residential workshops are designed to enhance the knowledge and the skills of current and prospective school, community, and college teachers of Arabic, Dari, Hindi, Persian, or Urdu. Participants learn the most up-to-date, standards-based teaching methodologies and are required to develop, observe, and critique classroom procedures, strategies, and teaching techniques. The programs include a cultural component in which participants learn how to use the resources available in the community environment. Classrooms are equipped with audio-visual equipment and classes are held on New York University's campus in New York City.
The program was developed in collaboration with the NYU-SCPS Foreign Languages, Translation, and Interpreting department, the NYU College of Arts and Science's Department of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, and the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. The curriculum is based upon a New York State-approved course, which is part of the regular curriculum of the master's program in Foreign Language Teaching at the NYU Steinhardt School for Culture, Education, and Human Development.
Program Information
Dates: June 10–21, 2013
Program Contact:
E-mail: startalk.nyu@nyu.edu
Fax: (212) 995-4689
Mailing Address: STARTALK
Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies
New York University
50 Washington Square South, Room 200
New York, NY 10012
Who Should Apply?
Applicants to either course must be fluent speakers of English and one of the subject languages—Arabic, Dari, Hindi, Persian, or Urdu. They should hold at least a bachelor's degree, and their language proficiency is expected to be at the superior to native level on the ACTFL scale.
Those currently enrolled in an accredited bachelor's degree program who are planning to be teachers also are invited to apply.
Review of applications begins on May 8, 2013 and will continue for as long as space is available.
How to Apply
To apply to the program, please submit the following:
- Completed application form
- Completed questionnaire
- Résumé or C.V.
- Two (2) one-page statements of purpose, of at least 300 words, describing educational and language background, teaching experience, if any, and reasons for taking the course. The first version must be in one of the subject languages and the second must be in English. The essays are reviewed to establish literacy level. Definitive oral interviews may be required.
Housing and Meals
Participants are housed in a residence hall on campus. Housing and meals, including a group breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks, are covered by the STARTALK grant and provided at no cost to participants. The cost of additional meals or travel expenses to and from New York University are not covered by the grant, tuition, or other fees.
Cost
The noncredit course tuition is $900, of which the STARTALK grant covers $700. Participants are responsible for the remaining $200, plus a $20 registration fee. Participants who win graduate scholarships also are responsible for $220 towards the cost of graduate tuition.
Applicants interested in the credit option should contact the NYU STARTALK program coordinators at startalk.nyu@nyu.edu for tuition costs and other information.
Credit
The basic program is a continuing education, noncredit offering. Upon completion, participants receive grades and transcripts. Two scholarships are available to take the course for two graduate credits through the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Those interested in earning credit must apply following the procedures outlined in the program application. This option is recommended for applicants who have already been admitted to graduate programs.
Applicants currently employed as teachers should confirm with their employer whether this program meets outstanding tuition reimbursement and continuing education requirements.