Pakistani Educational Leadership Institute

2006 US Department of State press release

Twenty Teachers To Attend “Summer Institute” At Plymouth State University

06/21/2006

Islamabad – Twenty Pakistani school educators, selected this year to attend a four-week Summer Institute at Plymouth State University in the U.S., assembled in Islamabad Wednesday to attend a pre-departure orientation session.

The ‘Pakistani Teachers Project Summer Institute’ launched in 2004, brought 25 Pakistani administrators and teachers to Plymouth State University in the US state of New Hampshire for a five-week groundbreaking program and cross-cultural exchange. Funded by $250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs, the goal was to help educators enhance their subject knowledge, pedagogical skills and disposition toward new ways of teaching. The project represents a collaboration between Plymouth State University and Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi’s School Improvement Network Program.

To date 45 educators have successfully completed this four-week professional development program in the US. This year, 20 new Pakistani teachers and school administrators, working in the field of secondary or elementary education will attend this third summer institute.

Peter J. Kovach, Consular for Public Affairs, represented the U.S. Embassy at this pre-departure event. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Kovach highlighted the benefits of such programs which particularly train educators from government schools. He pointed out the prevalence of teacher training institutes like Plymouth State called “normal schools” early on in American history. The establishment of such schools reflected the high priority Americans place on basic education for social and economic development. In the case of Plymouth State University, a “normal” school developed into a full-scale university over the years. He pointed out that while other U.S. funded teacher training programs focus on elementary and primary level teachers, this program trains school administrators and secondary level teachers of English, Science and Math.

Several representatives from government and civil society partners, autonomous bodies and media organizations attended the ceremony.