Fulbright Fellowships for School Teachers

 

Fulbright Fellowships for School Teachers

Dr. Shivaji Deshmukh -Fulbright Scholar, USA

             Continuing Professional Development is the need of Teachers to enhance the knowledge and skills with respect to changing time. Teaching is a continuous process. It always undergoes changes and makes the positive changes in the society too. Teachers are the keypersons in this process.

Today’s system put the responsibilities on teachers’ shoulders, community expects a lot from them, but particularly Indian Teachers are provided very less facilities of Academic support. For example, Lawyers or Doctors are given the long period of professional training but teachers are given only one to two years of professional training. Other professionals including UniversityTeachers are given the sponsorships/reimbursement to participate in Conferences and Seminars with incentives but school-teachersstruggle even to get the Duty Leave to participate into the Conferences or Seminars for the CPD.

On this background Fulbright Fellowship is a Golden opportunity for School Teachers! Let’s learn about and get motivated to apply.

Basically, there are two popular Fulbright Fellowships for Indian School Teachers.

(Note: There are other fellowships based on Research and Eligibility visit: www.usief.org.in)

1.                  FTEA: Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program

This is a short-term program for 5 weeks. Full time teachers of Grade 6 to 12 with 5 years teaching experience holding a bachelor’s degree are eligible. Different States with rotation are given the opportunity to apply.(For more details visit: www.usief.org.in)

2.                  FDAI: Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching for International Teachers

This is a Semester long fellowship for elementary, secondary of higher secondary full-time teachers. Teachers’ Trainers can also apply. School administrators, counselors who spend at least 50% time with students for teaching are also eligible to apply.

For the above both Fellowships qualifying TOEFL is the criteria. Teachers are expected to get the leave of Sanction to participate in the program from the competent authority at the time of apply. Without Institutional Support and Leave of Sanction, application may not be considered!

Benefits:

1.                  J- 1 VISA

2.                  Round trip Air Fare

3.                  Health Insurance

4.                  Professional Development Grants to participate in Conference and Seminars or visit some educational institutes during stay in the USA.

5.                  Technology Allowance to purchase the laptop and necessary software.

Grand Benefit:

After completing the program successfully in the capacity of Fulbright Alumnus one is eligible to apply for the small grants to work in the field of education or participate in the Conferences/Seminars as per announcements!

Cultural Ambassador:

After final selection one can play the role of Cultural Ambassador of the respective country in the USA by participating in Social-Cultural Exchange Programs with the support and guidance of respective University.

Fulbright: A Life-changing Experience for me!

In the quest of my CPD, to achieve the Fulbright Fellowship was my Goal. As per the goal setting, in 2020 I got the opportunity to participate in Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching for International Teachers. After Orientation Program in Washington DC, I was placed in Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) for one semester.

During my stay in University, I could learn Research methodologies, Integrated Technology, Field Experience of visiting and teaching in US School, Participation in various Conferences, Seminars and Workshops, Visit to the Museums and National Parks and other places like Washington DC., New York, Boston, Water House, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Niagara Falls, etc.

Visiting Churches and US Families with International friends was the true cultural exchange for me. I can understand the United States Culture better which has broadened my perspectives and inculcated humanistic approach too. Being a Yoga Teacher, students and US community enjoyed my Yoga and Meditation sessions. Truly, Fulbright is a Life Changing Experience for me!

Note:The purpose of article is to provide the basic information and motivate my colleagues to participate in the program for the CPD and enhancement of learners and community. (For more details visit: www.usief.org.in) Wish you All the Best!

Dr. Shivaji Deshmukh

Fulbright DAI Scholar, USA, 2020

Teacher @ Z.P. High School, Sakhali Bk., Buldana.

Ashtavinayak Nagar, Buldana – 443001 (MS), India.

shivdesh78@gmail.com

08275244752