The Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA) is set to offer an intensive professional development opportunity for secondary school teachers from Uruguay in 2025-2026. Sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, this six-week non-credit program will be hosted at a U.S. university during two sessions: January to March or September to October 2026.
Participants in the TEA program will engage in graduate-level seminars, observe and co-teach classes in U.S. schools, and partake in various educational and cultural activities. "Teachers who are selected to participate...will take part in tailored graduate-level seminars at a U.S. host university," states the program overview.
The program includes a practicum component where participants spend at least 40 hours with a partner teacher in a secondary school near their host university. This aspect aims to immerse them in the U.S. classroom environment while providing mentoring and support throughout their stay.
An online professional learning community will facilitate collaboration among international educators, allowing them to share best practices about education systems from both countries involved.
Safety remains a priority for organizers amid potential challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic or other emergencies, which could necessitate adjustments to the program's format.
Eligible applicants must be Uruguayan citizens residing in Uruguay, possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, demonstrate English proficiency with specific TOEFL scores, and have substantial teaching experience among other criteria.
Interested candidates can apply online through https://fulbright.irex.org with further guidance available via the Program Online Application Guide for Applicants.
The TEA program covers several expenses including J-1 visa support, airfare, academic fees, housing, meals, health care coverage, transportation for practicum placements if needed, daily allowances for incidentals during their academic tenure at universities as well as baggage allowance provisions.
For more information regarding participation details or inquiries related to application procedures contact Marcela Serra at serramm@state.gov at the U.S Embassy located within Montevideo city limits.