About Panamá Bilingüe (2014-2019)
Panamá Bilingüe is a 2014 initiative, prompted by former Panamanian President Juan Carlos Verela's goal to increase bilingualism in Panamá and improve education for 285,000 students, as well as provide training for 25,000 teachers. American University is one of over 30 participating universities hosting English teachers for a two-month intensive course for teachers to study language teaching methodology and strategies, project-based learning, and educational leadership. Pananá Bilingüe works in tandem with AU's strategic imperative to foster external partnerships by nuturing our relationship between the university and the Ministerio de Educación de Panamá, as well as strengthening Panamanian education and enriching academic life.
Programming
Teachers explore strategies to engage students in interactive lessons, as well as insert critical thinking skills into their content. Teachers learn to scaffold content for robust learning outcomes and practice their skills through micro-teaching experiences. Read the syllabus for more information related to methodology class.
Teachers take intensive English classes, tailored for teachers of English language learners. For more details about English curriculum content, visit the U.S. Department of State's American English site, outlining the Color Vowel Chart.
Throughout their eight weeks at AU, teachers experience Washington, DC through many lenses, from American history to sports and arts. Excursions include a tour of the US Capitol, a visit to the Library of Congress and the National Mall, as well as seeing a national sporting event and a performance at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage. Read more about the scavenger hunt around DC.
Partner Schools
With each new group, schools across DC continue to welcome visiting Panamanian teachers into their classrooms for an opportunity to observe classroom practices and interact with students.
Housing sixth through eighth grade student in Northwest DC, Alice Deal Middle School hosts the International Baccaluareate Middle Years Program and offers three world language. Visit the school website for more details on Alice Deal Middle School.
DC Bilingual Public Charter School serves PreK3-5th grade students in Spanish-English dual immersion with an emphasis on global leadership. Visit the school website to learn more about DC Bilingual Public Charter School.
New in 2014, DC International serves students from 6th through 12th grade with choices to participate in IB Middle Years Programme, IB Diploma Prgramme, and IB Careers Programme. Visit their website to learn more about the DC International.
The Lab School of Washington works with students between 1st and 12th grade who have language-based learning differences through hands-on learning. Visit their website to read more about Lab School of Washington.
LAMB is a PreK3-5th grade school that focuses on dual language immersion that aims toward fluency in Spanish and English by 5th grade. Read more about LAMB.
Mundo Verde students, faculty, and staff focus on biliteracy with classes in Spanish and English, as well as curriculum content and values centered around issues concerning sustainability. Read more about Mundo Verde at their website.
Students at Powell Elementary School have the opportunity to take part in the International Spanish Academy Dual Language program, where they practice both bilingual and biliterate skills. For more information, visit the Powell Elementary School website.
Roosevelt Senior High School is a DC public school that serves students between 9th-12th grade, aiming toward being internationally connected and globally responsive. Visit their website to learn more about Roosevelt Senior High.
Woodrow Wilson High School serves 9th-12th grade students with the largest student body among DC Public Schools. Visit the school website for more information on Woodrow Wilson High School.
NEWS AND EVENTS
Group 14 returned to Panamá on August 10, 2019. Cohort teachers are back in their classrooms, using new teaching methodologies to enhance their exisiting practices. The international exchange component of Panamá Bilingüe has ended, but the connections made between teachers and AU faculty, staff, and students continue to grow.
Panamá Bilingüe Images
Participants share Panamanian culture with the broader AU community.
Educators learn interactive pedagogical strategies to use with their students.
Students expand their English knowledge and use highly effective pronunciation techniques.
Groups of Panamanian English teachers complete an 8-week professional development program 3 times per year.
All classes model evidence-based and collaborative learning practices.
Teachers engage in and model dynamic language teaching practices.
Small groups visit DC schools to understand models of education in the US.