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K-State Today

July 27, 2017

Jolene McConnell selected for prestigious English language teaching fellowship

Submitted by Mary K. Pyle

The U.S. Department of State has selected Jolene McConnell, instructor in K-State's English Language Program, for a 10-month fellowship project teaching English in Moscow, Russia at Moscow Research Institute of Steel and Alloys. McConnell is one of only 140 U.S. citizens selected for the 2017-2018 English Language Fellow Program.

"We are thrilled that Jolene was invited and selected for this outstanding program. What a great opportunity for Jolene and a great recognition for her and our program," said Mary Wood, director of K-State's English Language Program. "This experience will greatly enhance her personally and will be a challenging opportunity."

"I am so excited to be selected for this English Language Fellow Program. It is quite an honor for me," McConnell said.

She will depart for the program the first of September.

McConnell has her Master of Arts in TESOL and linguistics and has been at K-State since 2012. Before joining K-State, McConnell taught English in Poland and South Korea and on ships.

McConnell will be involved in continuing professional development, with special emphasis on academic writing and publication, use of writing centers, ESP methodology and new modes of teaching.

The U.S. Department of State English Language Fellow Program is the premier opportunity for experienced teachers of English to speakers of other languages to enact meaningful and sustainable changes in the way that English is taught abroad. Through projects developed by U.S. embassies in more than 80 countries, fellows work directly with local teachers, students and educational professionals to improve the quality of English language instruction offered at prestigious universities and other academic institutions.

Since 1969, the English Language Fellow Program has sent thousands of TESOL scholars and educators abroad to promote English language learning, enhance English teaching capacity, and foster mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries through cultural exchange. On assignment, fellows teach English, conduct teacher training, develop resources and organize events and conferences. These projects are challenging and the teachers selected represent the best of the U.S. TESOL community. In return, the program provides professional development opportunities to help participants experience different cultures and build skills that can greatly enhance their TESOL careers back home.

English Language Fellows are counted among the more than 50,000 individuals participating in U.S. Department of State exchange programs each year. The program is administered by the Center for Intercultural Education and Development at Georgetown University.