The Michigan Department of Education and the Taiwanese Ministry of Education have signed an agreement by which up to 15 experienced and newly certified Michigan teachers are given the opportunity to study and teach in Taiwanese schools for a full academic year (or a semester). The Taiwanese Ministry of Education provides Michigan 's teachers with orientation training, housing arrangements, and wages comparable to their current salaries.

Each participating  Michigan   teacher is paired with a Taiwanese classroom teacher. In addition to providing English language instruction, the  Michigan  teachers works with Taiwanese educators to develop curriculum, prepare lesson plans and teaching materials, conduct classes, and evaluate student progress. This partnership offers a wide range of benefits to all involved:

• Teachers benefit from the professional development that results from the exchange of instructional practices and strategies between Michigan  and Taiwan  .
• Students from both nations gain greater knowledge, appreciation, and understanding of one another's culture, language, history, interests, and lifestyle.
• Michigan   and Taiwan  both benefit from the expanded communication, collaboration, and cooperation that will result from this agreement.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on March 23,  2006. 

Applications are being accepted for the fall (2008-2009 academic year)!

Teaching in Taiwan Application Package

Michigan teachers who are interested in the program should contact Krista D. Ried at 517-373-0699 or via e-mail at  riedk@michigan.gov  .

Teaching in Taiwan flyer

Michigan  Chinese Language Teacher  Opportunity-

The next step in this collaboration is to begin the recruitment of teachers from Taiwan   to teach Chinese to Michigan  students.  With Michigan 's focus on foreign language graduation requirements, internationalizing education and the global economy, this couldn't have come at a better time.  School districts interested in hiring teachers from Taiwan should contact MDE immediately to begin the process.

Taiwan  Administrator Opportunity-

The Ministry of Education in Taiwan will be inviting school administrators from the United States to Taiwan for a visit from the United States to Taiwan for a visit from July 7^th to 14^th, 2008 (tentatively).  They have extended this invitation to principals or superintendents that have had an integral role in establishing Chinese language programs at their district/school(s), or that plan to for this upcoming school year.  This visit will afford the administrator the opportunity to interview potential candidates, visit university language centers where they are prepared and school buildings where they teach.  The Ministry will cover the expenses of roundtrip airfare and accommodations for the week.  Of course, there will also be a chance to do some sight-seeing, sample a variety of Taiwan's excellent cuisine, and generally learn about its culture. 

Please send the attached application and information document by mail or fax (517-373-0542) to the MDE no later than May 27, 2008.  Contact Krista D. Ried, Teacher Quality Coordinator, at
517-373-0699 for more information.

Chinese Language Teacher Program Application

    What is the Teaching in Taiwan program?
This program provides Michigan  elementary teachers the opportunity to teach English to students in Taiwan.

  Who is eligible to participate?
Any certified Michigan elementary teacher may apply to participate in this program.

       How does this experience effect Michigan's new teacher induction & mentoring program?
In order to provide adequate support for new classroom teachers, upon return to a Michigan school, administration should provide the full 3-year induction program.

       How do I apply for the program?
To apply for the Teaching in Taiwan program, you'll need to complete and submit a brief application package. You can get a copy of this application package by clicking on the link above or by e-mailing Krista D. Ried at riedk@mi.gov . 

   How many Michigan teachers will be accepted for the program?
Each year, a selection committee will choose 5-15 Michigan teachers to participate.

   If I am selected, how long will I be in Taiwan ?
All teachers selected to participate in this program will sign a 12-month contract to teach in Taiwan.

   What would my responsibilities be in Taiwan ?
Each participating Michigan teacher will be paired with a Taiwanese classroom teacher. In addition to providing English language instruction, the Michigan teachers will work with Taiwanese educators to develop curriculum, prepare lesson plans and teaching materials, conduct classes, and evaluate student progress.

   How will I be compensated for my work in Taiwan ?
In addition to your salary, the Taiwanese government will provide Michigan teachers with housing arrangements. Salaries will be dependent on teaching experience and level of education, according to the following schedule. (The conversion to US dollars is based on the exchange rate as of March 10, 2006.)

  

       What kind of documentation will I need to travel to and work in Taiwan?
You will need a current passport, visa, and work permit.  The Ministry of Education  will assist participating teachers in applying for a visa and work permit. However, if you are interested in applying for the Teaching in Taiwan program, you may want to consider applying for your passport now, so that it will be ready when you need it. It can take several weeks to receive a passport once you have submitted your documentation. Further information concerning additional documentation will be provided to those teachers selected to participate.

        How will my participation affect the accumulation of years towards retirement?
Contact the Office of Retirement Services- Public Schools Employees Retirement System for information regarding "Sabbatical Leave".

         Who should I contact for more information about the Teaching in Taiwan  program? 
Contact Krista D. Ried at the Michigan Department of Education with any additional questions you have. You can reach her at 517-373-0699 or riedk@mi.gov .