Professional Development for Instructors of Arabic

Penn State STARTALK Arabic Academy for Teachers
Dates of On-site Component: June 23–30, 2012, at Penn State University Park

The Penn State STARTALK Arabic Academy for Teachers is a federally funded professional development program for current and prospective teachers of Arabic in middle school, high school, and college and university environments. You can earn up to 3 college credits for completing the program.

This program is also open to:

  • teachers of other subjects who are preparing to offer Arabic classes
  • Arabic teachers seeking to expand their awareness of current teaching methods
  • graduate students planning careers that will include teaching Arabic

The program is integrated with Penn State’s successful STARTALK student program in basic Arabic, and can provide you with hands-on opportunities to observe and participate in instruction. Learn and practice innovative teaching methodologies, with a focus on helping you remain in the target language.

The STARTALK Arabic Academy for Teachers is structured in three parts:

  • an initial four-week online component — May 23–June 20 (approximately 16 hours of instructional time)
  • an eight-day on-site workshop — June 23–30 (approximately 56 hours of instructional time) 
  • a two-week online follow-up component — July 6–20 (approximately eight hours of instructional time)

During the on-site component, you will participate in daily sessions on the program’s core topics, along with class observation and micro-teaching in the Penn State STARTALK student program. 

Curriculum goals

  • review and discuss the National Standards, both overall and as they pertain to Arabic in particular
  • prepare you to develop and implement strategies for remaining in the target language throughout class sessions, and gain confidence to experiment and innovate in your classroom in this regard
  • expand your understanding of curriculum design and continuous assessment as integrated into the student learning process
  • enable you to effectively integrate technology into your classroom
  • expand your awareness of online and other professional resources available, including the resources available through STARTALK

Registration, Fees, and Related Costs

Participants in the STARTALK Arabic Academy for Teachers will register for 2 Penn State college credits. Tuition and fees for these 2 credits will be paid by the academy. You then have the option to enroll for a third credit, which is not paid for by the academy (cost to participant is approximately $630 for Pennsylvania residents and $1,135 for non–Pennsylvania residents).

You can apply for on-campus housing for the on-site workshop component at University Park. On-campus room and board will be paid for by the academy.

If you prefer to make your own housing arrangements, you will receive an allowance for food and lodging during the on-campus component of the program.

Other expenses, such as transportation and books, will be the responsibility of each participant.

Application Process

Application forms for the STARTALK Arabic Academy for Teachers are available via the link below. The application form should be submitted through electronic or paper mail to the address on the form, together with:

  • a one- to two-page statement of interest
  • a current curriculum vitae
  • a letter of recommendation from a department head, school administrator, language coordinator, or individual with a similar role

2012 STARTALK Arabic Academy for Teachers Application Form

Questions about the program or the application process should be directed to:

Sarah Denes
Email: smd18@psu.edu
Phone: 814-863-4288