STARTALK Teacher Academy

BU Wheelock STARTALK Teacher Academy, 2024

We are now accepting applications!

Application Deadline: November 13, 2023

APPLY HERE

The BU Wheelock STARTALK Teacher Academy provides training for 20 Arabic and Chinese language teachers that is grounded in STARTALK Principles, evidence-based teaching, and second language acquisition theories and research. Specifically, the program emphasizes integrating technology tools to design and implement innovative, standards- and proficiency-based thematic curricula that are aimed at preparing students for success in a global world. The integration of technology offers a wealth of opportunities to meet the diverse needs of students and to enhance their real-life application of the language. Participants engage in a pre-camp Study Group in which they develop a strong knowledge base on thematic curriculum design, performance-based assessments, and the STARTALK Principles. During the summer camp, participants receive hands-on training and work in small collaborative groups to write their own curricular units, assessments, and supporting material, receive feedback and coaching, engage in critique and analysis of model units and assessments, and engage in micro-teachings to prepare to implement their units. Participants then implement their curricular unit in their own classrooms in the fall. They are supported through a post-camp Mentored Curriculum Implementation, which includes observation and feedback on their teaching, one-on-one coaching, and interactive group meetings. Participants share their units through the BU Wheelock STARTALK Teacher Academy website, making their work open and available to others. This program is offered in a hybrid format, combining virtual (synchronous and asynchronous) as well as face-to-face hands-on learning, and provides 120 PDPs.

Fast Facts:

  • Languages: Arabic & Chinese
  • Pre-Camp Study Group:
    • Online
    • 4:00 – 6:00 pm ET synchronous meetings on the following Tuesdays:
      • January 9, 16, 23
      • February 6, 13
      • March 5, 19, 26
      • April 2, 9, 16
  • Summer Camp Collaborative Curriculum Writing:
    • Boston University campus
    • Lodging on your own
    • Two weeks on campus, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm on the following dates:
      • July 8 – July 12
      • July 15 – July 19
  • Post-Camp Mentored Curriculum Implementation:
    • Online
    • 8 online meetings, dates TBD (two/month from September – December)
    • Remote teaching observations
    • Remote individual coaching
  • PDPs: 120 offered
  • Cost:
    • Free
    • Lodging is not included for the on-campus Summer Camp