Launch of Tunisia’s First Higher Education Teacher Training Partnership with Columbia University

The U.S. Embassy, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Columbia Global Centers Tunis, and Columbia University Teachers College are proud to announce the launch of a two-year, $500,000 (1.375.000 TND) university linkage to build the capacity of Tunisian educators and support young learners throughout Tunisia.

Through this initiative, Columbia University and the Ministry of Higher Education will develop a national model for English teaching curriculum in order to train and equip teachers of English in the 10 higher education schools across the country that offer the “National Licence in Education and Teaching” degree to future elementary school teachers.  Starting February 4, 2021, two cohorts of 30 university teachers from across Tunisia will participate in four modules of professional training on planning and assessment, pedagogical training, and integration of knowledge and practice.  Graduates of the training will serve as teachers and mentors for future English teachers in primary schools throughout Tunisia.

As U.S. Chargé d’affaires Gregory LoGerfo remarked, “This collaboration strengthens ties between the United States and Tunisia and will support Tunisian educators in their ability to prepare young learners from all backgrounds for a bright future.”