International PIF’s!
Looking for an innovative and exciting way to spend a year learning and working? Consider a Professional Improvement Fellowship (teachers and administrators) in Seoul, Korea or Macao, China.
International Professional Improvement Fellowship
The Calgary Board of Education is offering a unique opportunity for five CBE teachers to engage in internationally based action research projects in Seoul, Korea and Macao, China through Professional Improvement Fellowships. These action research projects are in keeping with the context and priorities outlined in the Professional Improvement Fellowships document and the Calgary Board of Education’s strategic direction. The focus of each of these research projects is on innovation and address the outcomes identified in the Three-year plan.
The following PIF international research opportunities are available
#1 Global citizenship in Seoul education and its implications and relevance for the Calgary Board of Education.
This research involves gaining a deep understanding of the context of global citizenship within Korean education in general and more specifically within the Seoul Global High School. Through spending intensive time in the Seoul Global High School, you will gain an understanding of the underlying tenets of this unique approach to high school education. You will have an opportunity to work closely with students, teachers and administrators (both inside and outside of the school). You will develop strong relationships with the school staff and create future partnerships for the Calgary Board of Education. Upon your return to the Calgary Board of Education you will be prepared to share:
- An overview of the Seoul global citizenship approach
- A model(s) for the Calgary Board of Education and identified strategies that are consistent with our strategic direction
- A vibrant, dynamic and innovative model of exchange and partnership between Calgary schools and Global High
#2 A comparative study of how the Calgary Board of Education and Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education are addressing the learning environments of the 21st Century.
This action research involves gaining a deep understanding of:
- The vision of Seoul education through study of their policies, objectives and practices and how those compare to Calgary Board of Education strategic direction.
- How 21st century learning in evident in Seoul elementary schools
How the two systems (CBE and SMOE) are similar and different
What applications there may be for the Calgary Board of Education
The action researcher may be based in an elementary school where they will have the opportunity to come to know parents, students, teachers and administrators. Upon return to the Calgary Board of Education, you will be prepared to share:
- Your findings
- A model of how the Calgary Board of Education and Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education can work together to achieve common goals
Research will be conducted consistent with processes identified on the Learning Innovation website.
#3 The Alberta Education model in the International School of Macao (TIS) and international delivery of curriculum. What innovative opportunities and implications are there for Calgary Board of Education students and teachers?
This action research involves gaining a deeper understanding of the context of international schools. Specifically, it would aim to develop an innovative model of international exchange and partnership for Calgary Board of Education students and teachers in order to further the Calgary Board of Education ends.
Opportunities are available in from K-12. Upon return to the Calgary Board of Education you will be prepared to share:
- Your findings
- A model of how the Calgary Board of Education and the International School of Macao can work together to achieve common goals
Qualifications
Teachers who meet the required Professional Improvement Fellowship eligibility guidelines and possess the following are encouraged to apply:
A demonstrated understanding of the Calgary Board of Education mission and Ends and evidence of integration of these into your current practice
For Seoul, the ability to teach high school English and/or humanities to highly motivated and academic students or ability to teach elementary EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students
- For Macao, all levels and areas of expertise
- Experience with ELL (English language learning) students
- A demonstrated interest in global citizenship, international studies, international education and world issues
- Understanding of learning technologies best practice and access to licensed CBE distributed learning environments
- Ability to work in a research team (2)
- Ability to live and work in Korea for one year commencing September 2010
- Keen desire to immerse in another culture and openness to learning a new language
- Diplomacy, tact, and intercultural competence Previous experience living or working in another country is deemed an asset.
Please read included information in this bulletin and Article 13 of the CBE and ATA Collective Agreement and all of its sub-provisions prior to applying for Professional Improvement Fellowship. Information is also available in HR Central.
Teachers who meet the PIF eligibility and are interested are asked to submit a letter of intent to apply for an international PIF outlining their interest and qualifications to Sheila McLeod, Director International Bureau by January 30, 2010. Teachers will be asked to secure a letter of support from Sheila McLeod, Director, CBE Global Learning Services.
PIF applications must be submitted to Human Resources by February 28, 2010.
Please read included information in this bulletin and Article 13 of the CBE and ATA Collective Agreement and all of its sub-provisions prior to applying for Professional Improvement Fellowship. Information is also available in HR Central. http://www.innovativelearning.ca/
If you have questions, please feel free to contact Sheila McLeod, Director International Bureau at smmcleod@cbe.ab.ca
Application process
Letter of intent to Sheila McLeod, International Bureau should include:
- Nature of your interest
- Why you are a good candidate
- What experience you have that would ensure a high quality international PIF
- Submitted by January 30, 2010
- Nature of your interest
Letters of support will be sent to you by February 15, 2010.
Teachers with letters of support must submit PIF applications by February 28, 2010 to Jeff Jones at LeadershipCentre@cbe.ab.ca.
Applicants will be notified by March 20, 2010.
Successful PIF applicants will be expected to attend orientation and preparation meetings in May and June.
