The Center for International and Development Education at UCLA's Graduate School of Education & Information Studies is conducting a six-week professional development program for visiting Indian and Pakistani teachers.

The program, which began June 26 on the UCLA campus, offers 13 Pakistani and 13 Indian secondary school English teachers instruction in advanced methodologies for teaching English and explores the latest educational developments and technologies in the areas of teaching and learning, leadership and school management, and conflict resolution. The visiting teachers also will be engaged in a wide variety of social and cultural events in Los Angeles, providing them with a deeper awareness of American culture and society.

"We are honored to host these exceptional teachers, who have been chosen from hundreds of applicants to participate in the program," said Val D. Rust, UCLA professor of education and director of the program.

The visiting teachers are participating in activities at a number of locations on the UCLA campus, including the American Language Center, the Office of Ombuds Services, the School Management Program, Center X and University Extension.

After returning home, the teachers will participate in a four-month distance-learning program intended to help them implement what they learned at UCLA in their own schools. The teachers will also conduct, with the guidance of UCLA specialists, three- to four-day follow-up workshops in Pakistan and India in November 2007 and January 2008. Approximately 100 teachers from each country will attend these workshops.

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