American Association of Teachers of German

The AATG is pleased to announce funding for a seminar designed to develop the knowledge and skills needed to create course materials that address the cultural, religious and ethnic diversity of the German population.  The seminar, which is open to high school and college/university faculty, will take place in Berlin, Germany from June 28 - July 12, 2009 (dates are still tentative).

It will be offered again in 2010 and 2011. This seminar is generously supported by the German government’s Transatlantic Program, through funds from the European Recovery Plan (ERP) program of the Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie.

This two-week seminar, conducted in German, seeks to further an understanding and appreciation of the breadth of diversity found in the German population.  Through many activities, ranging from experiencing first-hand Berlin’s international cuisine to conversations with political and social activists, participants will gather new materials and gain new insights into what it means to live in a society that is becoming more and more diverse.  Participants will meet with representatives from governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations that represent the interests of many in Berlin’s diverse population.  Since “hearing new voices” is also a goal of the seminar, participants will have the opportunity to meet with a number of individuals from Berlin’s strikingly heterogeneous population.  Participants also will focus on articulating new classroom goals and strategies, and on developing new classroom units and teaching models that integrate new perspectives gained during the seminar.  

The seminar includes all program costs and materials, public transportation within Berlin, and room and breakfast for the two-week program.  Participants will receive a stipend of $400.00 toward transportation from the United States to Berlin.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a current member of AATG.
• Demonstrate an interest and previous experience in teaching about diversity in Germany-speaking countries or an interest in addressing diversity in the US classroom.
• Submit a 200 to 300 -word essay in German that explains why you wish to participate in the program and what you expect to get out of it.
• Proficiency in German, at Advanced Low level or higher, according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines, or equivalent – see:  http://www.languagetesting.com/scale.htm
• Submit one letter of recommendation from a current or recent professor of German or someone who is familiar with your interest in diversity and multiculturalism in Germany and in the German classroom
• Successful applicants must show that they are fully insured for health and accident on arrival at the course site.
• Participants will be expected to create a teaching unit that they will implement during the coming school year and/or present a teaching unit or related presentation at a professional meeting based on their experience in the program. 

Selection committees review applications for all seminars with stipends or grants.

To Apply: Please send a two-page resume that includes the following information:

• Your name, complete home and work mailing addresses and preferred email address
• Academic degrees and institutions
• AATG membership history
• Current and past teaching positions in the US, at what level(s) and years of experience
• Experience studying, living, working in a German-speaking country
• Your proficiency level in German, according to the ACTFL OPI or equivalent.  See:  http://www.languagetesting.com/scale.htm. Because of the anticipated level of discussions and tasks, participants should be Advanced Low or above, or equivalent.
• Answer the following questions in a 200-300-word essay in German: Why do you wish to participate in this seminar and how will it benefit you professionally?
• Submit a letter of recommendation from a current or recent professor of German or someone who is familiar with your interest in diversity and multiculturalism in Germany and in the German classroom.  In your essay, indicate the name and institution of the person who will submit the letter of recommendation. Please have this letter submitted by February 2, 2009 with the family name of the applicant and “Neuer Blick recommendation” in the subject line to: mercedes@aatg.org.
• Submit applications by email (include your family name and “Neuer Blick application” in the subject line) to: mercedes@aatg.org. Application deadline: February 2, 2009.