ETA/ETF Professional Development
August Orientation
Each year Fulbright Taiwan welcomes a diverse group of English Teaching Assistants [ETAs] to assist Local English Teachers [LETs] at elementary and junior high schools. Many ETAs arrive in Taiwan without any prior English teaching experience. For some, Taiwan may even be their first experience of Asia. In order to facilitate a smoother transition for ETAs, the August Orientation serves to:
Introduce ETAs to Taiwanese society, culture, and ways of life to prepare for living in Taiwan.
Connect ETAs with local teachers in the program to promote more effective teaching cooperation.
Familiarize ETAs with the current undertakings, goals, and future plans regarding English learning at local schools.
Acquaint ETAs with their schools and school administrators.
During the August Orientation, ETAs also attend a series of lectures and workshops led by consulting professors and experienced teachers. Designed to facilitate ETAs' smooth transition into the classroom, these lectures and workshops include topics such as English co-teaching techniques, remedial teaching, differentiated instruction, classroom management, lesson planning, phonics, Taiwan's current education status, introductions to festivals in the U.S., local life management, etc.
Biweekly Workshops
Biweekly workshops are designed by the educational advising and consulting team. These workshops aim to train ETAs in professional English teaching skills. The previous topics include Project-Based Learning, Children's Literature and Board Games, Co-Teaching Troubleshooting and Feedback, Tools for Assessing Listening and Speaking, and Connecting Reading and Writing Using Picture Books.
Class Observation
Each ETA/ETF will have a class observation each semester. During the class observation, an advisor will observe and assess the effectiveness of the co-teaching between ETAs/ETFs and LETs. The advisor will then provide feedback and comments to promote a better team teaching experience between ETAs/ETFs and LETs.
Monthly Report
These reports allow ETA/ETFs to reflect and share updates about their life in Taiwan and discuss concerns with their advisor.
Midyear Conference
At the midyear conference, local teachers and ETAs & ETFs from each site gather to share their teaching experiences and showcase special projects they are working on. The conference also provides an opportunity for local teachers and ETAs across Taiwan to connect, share, and learn from one another.
