Washington Township High School Chinese Teacher Awarded
State Department Grant for Six Weeks of Study in China

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - Washington Township High School Chinese Teacher Ron Dempsey has been awarded a grant from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State for six weeks of summer study in Changchun, China, from June 24-August 6, 2008. The Intensive Summer Language Institute (ISLI) Program, administered by American Councils for International Education, will provide 15 secondary school teachers from the United States with unique opportunities to develop expertise in their language area, enhance their teaching skills and increase their knowledge about China during the university-based professional development program.

“This is an incredible opportunity for me personally and professionally,” Dempsey said. “It is also a wonderful chance to bring Washington Township High School national and international exposure.”

“I am delighted to see Ron Dempsey granted this excellent opportunity to travel to China this summer,” WTHS Principal Rosemarie Farrow said. “Ron has already established our new Chinese language program as one of the finest in the region. He brought a tremendously broad knowledge and experience in Chinese language and culture as he started our program. This trip abroad will only enhance his knowledge base and allow for even greater expansion of our existing program.”

Following a two-day orientation in Washington, D.C., the 15 fellows will depart for China on June 26, 2008, and will take five hours of classes four days a week, with weekly seminars on pedagogy and planned weekend excursions. The grant will cover the cost of all domestic and international travel, room and board, a $900 allowance for incidentals and a $250 materials and shipping allowance to cover the costs of books and teaching materials that can be sent back to the United States.

In Changchun, the ISLI fellows will be housed in the Foreign Experts dormitory and will have access to peer tutors and opportunities for home stays during their time in China. Visas will end their stay on August 6th because of security concerns surrounding the Olympics, which begin August 8th.

- WTPS -

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