The United States Mission Nigeria has announced an invitation of applications for Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA), 2018 edition. Tell someone to tell someone else until every teacher in Nigeria is aware. For teachers whose discipline border on English or English as a Foreign Language (EFL), Social Studies (civics, history, geography, etc.), Mathematics, science, or Special Education related to the aforementioned disciplines; this program will provide them with the unique opportunities to develop expertise in their subject areas. It will also help in enhancing their teaching skills, and increase their knowledge about the United States. Submission of application closes on April 28, 2017.

Two cohorts of 80 successful applicants would journey to the United States in January and September of 2018 consecutively, following the screening processes that will take place between May and November, 2017. TEA is a six-week customized academic program, non-qualification though, that includes seminars on curriculum development, lesson planning, instructional technology, and new teaching methodologies. Fellows are made to engage in a study practicum in a US secondary school, working closely with US teachers and students. Participants will experience firsthand cultural experience, mentoring and support.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Interested applicants must:

• Be current secondary school-level, full time teachers in a school that serves a primarily local (not expatriate) population;
• Have 5 or more years of classroom experience in TEA teaching disciplines, namely English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, or Special Education;
• Be citizens of and reside in Nigeria;
• Have earned a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent;
• Obtain a minimum score of 450 on paper based TOEFL or equivalent English language examination. *Please note that the candidates do not need to take the test before applying. If selected after an interview, candidates will be required to take the TOEFL test, with support from U.S. Embassy;
• Demonstrate a commitment to continue teaching after completion of the program;
• Submit a complete application.

Caveat!

According to a publication by the U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Nigeria, this program is meant strictly for practicing teachers of Nigerian students in public schools. Ministry of Education officials, full-time principals or educational administrators, full-time teacher trainers, university faculty, private tutors and teachers from schools primarily serving expatriates are not eligible.

Remember, deadline for submission is April 28, 2017.

What are you waiting for? Visit the U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Nigeria’s website now for detailed information and links for application.