You must apply by November 24th, 2023. Applications must be sent directly to PDPORTMORESBY@STATE.GOV
The U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby is pleased to announce the Study of the United States Institute (SUSI) for Educators taking place in summer 2024.
Deadline – Friday November 24th, 2023
PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators (SUSIs) are intensive post-graduate level academic programs that provide foreign secondary school educators and administrators the opportunity to deepen their understanding of U.S. society, culture, values, and institutions. The program goal is to strengthen curricula and to enhance the quality of teaching about the United States in secondary schools and other academic institutions abroad.
Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators will take place at various academic institutions throughout the United States over the course of five weeks in summer 2024. Each Institute includes a four-week academic residency component and, a one-week integrated study tour to another region of the United States.
How to apply: Please complete the form SUSI Application 2024 by Friday, November 24th, 2023 and send directly to pdportmoresby@state.gov
For frequently asked questions please refer to the FAQs here on SUSI for Educators Frequently Asked Questions
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators (SUSIs) will provide three multinational groups of 20 experienced secondary school educators (including teachers, administrators, teacher trainers, curriculum developers, textbook writers, Ministry of Education officials, and others) with a deeper understanding of U.S. society, education, and culture – past and present. The Institutes focus on providing content and materials for participants to develop high school level curricula about the United States. Two of the Institutes are tailored for secondary school teachers; please note that the Institutes for Teachers focus on content and materials about the United States rather than teaching methods and pedagogy. The third Institute is tailored for experienced administrators including teacher trainers, curriculum developers, textbook writers, Ministry of Education officials, and others.
Through a combination of traditional, multi-disciplinary, and interdisciplinary approaches, program content will examine the history and evolution of U.S. institutions and values, broadly defined. The programs will also serve to illuminate contemporary political, social, and economic debates in American society. The four-week academic residencies will take place at U.S. university and college campuses and will consist of a balanced series of lectures, panels, seminar discussions, readings, workshops, site visits, meetings with practitioners in the field, and cultural activities. One-week study tours to a different region will complement the academic residencies and showcase the cultural, geographic, and ethnic diversity of the United States. The program features curriculum based on the study of how America’s foundations and historical development have shaped and continue to inform U.S. politics, economics, and society. A key cultural component of the program involves community service activities, which will provide participants with a first-hand experience of how volunteerism plays a vital role in U.S. civil society. The program will offer multiple opportunities for follow-on engagement through alumni webinars, grant-funded follow-on projects, social media, and an alumni workshop.
The University of Montana (UM) in Missoula, MT will oversee and administer the three SUSIs for Secondary Educators and will conduct one Institute for teachers which will explore U.S. studies through the lens of democracy and citizenship. The Institute for Training and Development (ITD) in Amherst, Massachusetts will conduct the second Institute for teachers which will explore the ways in which individual rights and social obligations have evolved through American history. California State University at Chico will conduct the Institute for Administrators and will focus on sociocultural understanding, equitable learning communities, and diversity and inclusion in U.S. education and society.
CANDIDATE DESCRIPTION AND QUALIFICATION:
Selection for SUSIs for Secondary Educators is highly competitive.
- Priority will be given to candidates who have firm plans to enhance, update, or develop courses and/or educational materials with a U.S. studies focus or component; who have limited or no prior experience in the United States; and who have a special interest in the program subject areas as demonstrated through past scholarship, accomplishments, and professional duties.
- Ideal candidates come from institutions seeking to introduce aspects of U.S. studies into their curricula, to develop new courses in the Institute subject, to enhance and update existing courses on the United States, or to offer specialized seminars/workshops for professionals in U.S. studies areas related to the program theme. While the nominees’ scholarly and professional credentials are an important consideration, the potential impact and multiplier effect from their participation in the Institute is equally important. Ideal candidates will have little or no prior experience living in or visiting the United States.
- Participants will be expected to read and comprehend substantial written materials and assignments in English and to fully and actively participate in all seminar and panel discussions. English fluency is vital to a successful experience in the Institute, for participants as individuals, and to foster a cohesive and interactive group.
- Candidates should be willing and able to fully take part in an intensive post-graduate level academic program. It is important that posts and commissions nominate individuals who are likely to be comfortable with campus life and an active program schedule.
- U.S. citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) are not eligible for these programs.
- Relatives of U.S. Embassy or Fulbright commission employees are not eligible for SUSIs.
- Candidates must be willing to respectfully engage with fellow participants representing different backgrounds and different points of view.
For more information, please visit http://exchanges.state.gov/susi. You can also contact the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Office on +675-301 2209.