This website provide information for the Spanish Visiting Teachers in the Texas-Spain Initiatives.
Spanish Educational Programs in the United States
Background
There are approximately 5.5 million non-English speaking students in U.S. public schools (2003)
440 different languages are spoken among our English Language Learner (ELL) population
80% of the ELLs speak Spanish
19 states have experienced a 200% ELL population growth over the past ten (10) years (Kathleen Leos, Associate Deputy Secretary, Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA), October 12, 2004)
Goals
International cooperation and understanding
Excellence in the teaching and learning of the Spanish language and cultures
Multicultural exchange
Strengthening bonds between Spain and Texas (bringing valuable intercultural perspectives to our classrooms)
Professional growth
Main Characteristics
Started in the 1998-1999 academic year
23 ISDs have participated in the program (1998-2010)
91 teachers are currently teaching in Texas (2010-2011)
Participating teachers are assigned to teach in elementary, middle, and high schools
They teach in bilingual, traditional and dual language immersion, and Spanish as a Second Language, including Spanish for Spanish speakers
Current School Districts in the Program (2010-2011)
Procedures - How it works
In Spain
In December/January, Spain's Ministry of Education and Science announces positions in the Ministry's Official Gazette
Applicants submit their resumes with full documentation of their education and professional experience
The Ministry of Education determines eligibility and pre-selects candidates
Only highly qualified teachers are pre-selected
In Texas
Districts may contact TEA and ask for information at any time
Districts receive detailed guidelines and timeline (December and January)
New districts wishing to participate write a proposal describing local needs, resources, plan, etc. (December)
Participating districts attend a planning meeting at the Agency to prepare for recruitment of teachers (February/March)
Recruitment and Professional Placement of Teachers
Approved district staff travel to Spain (Spring)
Districts interview pre-screened candidates and make their selections (the process takes a week)
Travel and lodging expenses of designated district representatives are paid by the Ministry of Education and Science
Agency prepares immigration documents, communicates with teachers in Spain and prepares for their arrival
Teachers arrive in Texas (month of July), participate in a one-week orientation workshop, and report to their districts
Teachers stay in the program for three years holding a visiting International Teacher Certificate
Teachers are placed according to their professional preparation and experience
School districts honor their experience, according to Chapter 153, Subchapter CC of the Commissioner's Rules on Creditable Years of Service, and academic preparation
How to Apply
Contact
Jose Aurelio Llaneza, Asesor Técnico/Education Advisor, Spain
jose.llaneza@educacion.es
REGION XIII Education Service Center
5701 Springdale Road
Austin , TX 78723
Phone: 512 919 5130 - Fax: 512 919 5320
This page last updated on March 14, 2011.