Teachers from around the US arrive in the UK to study as TLab Scholars

NEW YORK - July 11, 2018 - PRLog -- The class of 2018 TLab Scholars are arriving in the UK to participate in the English in Action English-Speaking Union (ESU) Teachers Learning Abroad scholarship program this summer. Thirty-nine middle and high school teachers will be attending professional development programs at the University of Edinburgh, Oxford and Shakespeare's Globe thanks to the generous scholarships offered through ESU branches nationwide.

"It's been a whirlwind…. Yesterday morning I made it to Oxford and checked into my dormitory at Exeter College. I have so much more exploring to do. The people have been so friendly thus far and I'm thrilled to be here for the next three weeks studying." posted TLab Scholar Victoria Fischer from Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky.

"Day one completed with @ESU_EIA T-Lab and I already have about 6 new teaching strategies ready for next semester. Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!" tweeted Marissa Freese, TLab scholar from Naperville Central High School in Chicago, Illinois.

"I finally made it to London!!! I've officially started my three week Teaching Shakespeare through Performance program 💙 This is only day two of the program and I already feel like I've learned so much!!!" tweeted Jennifer Gautier, TLab scholar from Lake Nona High School in Orlando, Florida.

Since 1957, through the ESU's exclusive partnerships, thousands of teachers have continued their education over the summer to acquire new teaching and learning strategies, unique experiences and renewed energy to be shared with their local students upon their return to the classroom in the fall.

At the University of Oxford, 20 scholars will enroll in English Literature; History, Politics, and Society; International Politics or Creative Writing courses through programs at Exeter College or St. Anthony College. ESU scholars are experience life as an Oxford scholar—learning among other graduate-level scholars within an historic academic community from internationally renowned lecturers.

At the University of Edinburgh's Scottish Universities International Summer Schools (SUISS) program, scholars enroll in programs such as Text and Context (featuring courses in Modernism, Contemporary or Scottish Literature); Creative Writing; and Theater and Performance. As students at the University of Edinburgh, TLab scholars are able to enjoy residential life within an energetic and eclectic city in the heart of Scotland and enjoy the festivities of Edinburgh's Fringe Festival, the world's largest arts festival spanning more than 25 days.

At Shakespeare's Globe, situated Bankside in London, six TLab scholars have enrolled in the Teaching Shakespeare through Performance course offered exclusively to American educators through the ESU. Teachers not only have the opportunity to perform on the Globe Theatre's stage, dating back to the 1500s, but the three-week intensive course empowers educators with pedagogical tools and methods to bring Shakespeare to life back into their classrooms.

A total of 66 TLab scholars are participating in the program this year: 39 receiving scholarships, 27 independently funded and one TLab Giveaway Contest winner. Twenty three ESU branches participated this year in raising nearly $200,000 in funds to provide TLab scholarships to teachers from their local communities. The ESU branches that participated include Atlanta, Austin, Central Florida, Charlottesville, Cleveland, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Greenwich, Houston, Indianapolis, Kentucky, Los Angeles, Naples, New Orleans, New York City ad New York State Palm Beach, Princeton, Research Triangle, Richmond, San Francisco, St. Louis and Washington, DC.

"Education is at the core of English in Action's mission. We believe in education's multiplying effect," said Christopher Broadwell, Executive Director. "By providing a single teacher a professional development opportunity, they pass on this new knowledge to hundreds—if not thousands—of students throughout their career."

For additional TLab information, visit https://www.esuus.org.

The English-Speaking Union is a non-profit educational charity that employs the English language to foster global understanding and good will through educational opportunities and cultural exchange programs. Founded in 1920 and headquartered in New York City, the ESU is a national organization with more than 50 branches nationwide and affiliated with a network of more than 60 ESUs around the world.

English in Action educational programs focus on teacher enrichment and immigrant support, international exchange and public speaking. English in Action programs include:
• Andrew Romay New Immigrant Center (ARNIC) improves the lives and integration into American society of recent immigrants through education and cultural programs.
• English in Action Conversations pair English language learners with trained volunteers to improve their English fluency through a one-on-one cultural exchange.
• Luard Morse Scholarships sends students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities to study for a semester at a British university of their choosing.
• Middle School Debate builds research, critical thinking and public speaking skills through debate tournaments.
• National Shakespeare Competition develops high school students' analytical and communication skills through performing Shakespeare at the school, community and national levels.
• Secondary School Exchange sends high school graduates to British boarding schools for a gap year abroad.
• TLab provides teachers and lifelong learners educational enrichment programs at Oxford, the University of Edinburgh and Shakespeare's Globe.

For additional information, please visit www.esuus.org.