Jan Dormer selected by U.S. Department of State for English Language Specialist assignment

Messiah College professor selected by U.S. Department of State for prestigious English Language Specialist assignment in Brazil

The U.S. Department of State announced the selection of Dr. Jan Dormer, associate professor of TESOL, graduate program in education at Messiah College, for a 9-month English Language Specialist project, focusing on equipping school leaders in Brazil with knowledge about English language teaching and learning.

This project will focus on building the knowledge base of educational decision-makers in Brazil through a series of interviews and videos which focus on understanding second language acquisition and models for English-learning. As the author of the book, "What School Leaders Need to Know about English Learners" (TESOL Press, 2016), and as someone who has spent many years in Brazil, Dormer is well-positioned to speak on these issues within the Brazilian context.

The English Language Specialist Program is the premier opportunity for leaders in the field of teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) 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, EL Specialists work directly with local teacher trainers, educational leaders, and ministry of education officials to exchange knowledge, build capacity and establish partnerships benefiting participants, institutions and communities in the United States and overseas.

Since 1991, the English Language Specialist Program has sent 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, English Language Specialists may conduct intensive teacher training, advise ministries of education or participate in high-level educational consultations, and offer plenary presentations at regional, national or international TESOL conferences. These projects are challenging and those 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.

For further information about the English Language Specialist Program or the U.S. Department of State, please visit elprograms.org/specialist.