Mandarin Teaching Scholars Program (MTSP)
Click here to see the 2009-2010 Mandarin Teaching Scholars Program participant bios!
Given the time restrictions, we will not accept students who are currently in China for the first year of this program. Please check back next spring.
中文
Current program full, please check back in January 2010.
Already registered? Click here to retrieve your application form.
This program seeks to bring bright and motivated Mandarin speakers who possess an interest in teaching at the K-12 level, together with area schools seeking to develop language opportunities for their students. In partnership with other institutions of higher education, including Loyola Marymount University, CSULA, and CSULB, this unique program gives participants training and an opportunity to begin sharing their language and cultural skills, as they explore the field of K-12 teaching.
As an international urban center the diverse language and cultural communities of Los Angeles are one our greatest resources. The Mandarin Teaching Scholars Program taps these resources by bringing members of our Chinese-speaking community into our classrooms. Developing linguistic and cultural literacy and functional proficiency in world languages is an important way to help ensure that our students become global citizens. The Mandarin Teacher-Scholar Program will serve as an important resource for local schools to begin offering world language opportunities to our children, even in lean economic times.
Application
Candidates should possess native or near-native fluency in spoken and written Mandarin, strong English language skills, a background in Chinese language or linguistics, and demonstrated interest/experience in teaching at the K-12 level.
Candidates with the following educational/professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply:
- Those enrolled in a certified California Teaching Credential Mandarin program (Single or Multiple Subject)
- Those with degrees from normal universities in China, Taiwan, or Hong Kong
- Those holding graduate degrees, or pursuing degrees, in the fields of Chinese Language or Applied Linguistics
- Those holding advanced degrees (Master’s or Ph.D.) in a non-language field but possessing teaching experience in Chinese language and culture programs.
Each Mandarin Teacher-Scholar will be partnered with an area school (elementary or middle) for a full academic year (September 1st through June 30th), With training and support from MTSP partner institutions, the Mandarin Teacher-Scholars will spend 20 hours per week at their school offering language instruction students and serving as a resource for China-related instruction for the entire school community. Through monthly gathering, the MTS will also work on projects to improve Mandarin language instruction and access in our region.
Interested applicants must complete the Online Registration Form and submit two Letters of Support by July 12, 2010. On July 24, selected candidates will be invited to campus for an interview and to give a 5-minute teaching demonstration before the Selection Committee. The Mandarin Teaching Scholars will be required to attend a two-week Summer Training Institute. This institute will be led by faculty from UCLA and our partner institutions including Loyola Marymount University, LAUSD, Santa Monica-Malibu School District, the Pasadena School District, CSULA, and CSULB.
Selected candidates must agree to the following:
- Pass a LiveScan Fingerprint Background Check
- Pass a TB Test
- Participate in a full-time Training Workshop from August 17-28
- Participate in a monthly professional development workshops
- Spend 20 hours per week on site at an assigned school
Interested candidates should complete the online form and submit the required letters of recommendation by July 12, 2010.
Financial Support
Each Mandarin Teaching Scholar will receive $1,000 per month for their active participation in the program for 11 months.