Hernandez Selected for English Language Specialist Program with Ukrainian STEM Teachers
More than 100 Ukrainian educators have participated in the program
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Shoshannah Hernandez, assistant professor of education and associate director of teacher education – graduate, has been selected as an English language specialist for a virtual teacher development project supporting secondary science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) educators in Ukraine. Hernandez presented her webinar on February 17.
The U.S. Department of State administers the competitive English Language Specialist Program in partnership with Regional English Language Offices at U.S. Embassies worldwide.
Hernandez has more than 20 years of teaching and teacher development experience in the field of TESOL. She has participated in regional and international teacher training programs, served as an EL and mathematics subject matter expert for the Indiana Department of Education and has presented widely about approaches to engaging and supporting English learners in content-based settings.
Hernandez has collaborated with an international team to design and deliver a series of webinars and follow-up discussion sessions aimed at equipping Ukrainian teachers with innovative, inquiry-based instructional strategies. The project focuses on helping secondary STEM educators teach subject content while also strengthening English language proficiency among teachers and students. More than 100 Ukrainian teachers have participated so far.
According to the program’s website, the English Language Specialist Program is the premier opportunity for leaders in the field of English teaching to engage teachers in meaningful and sustainable professional development. English Language Specialists have participated in projects developed by U.S. Embassies in more than 80 countries. These projects partner with local educational leaders and officials to exchange knowledge and foster relationships between the U.S. and communities around the world.
The project is conducted entirely online, with team members located around the world. Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, teachers continue to log in each week to pursue professional development and collaborate with peers.
“I am honored to have been selected to work on this unique project and provide teacher development that focuses on inquiry-based methods for STEM that foster collaboration and develop English language proficiency among students and teachers,” Hernandez said. “Apart from my excitement about the topic itself, I recognize what a humbling privilege it is to come alongside Ukrainian teachers at this particular time in history. Despite limited resources, war-related trauma, loss of power and heat and a multitude of daily uncertainties, teachers log in each week to improve their practice, collaborate and learn. Their spirit and dedication are inspiring.”
