Trace Foundation's Tibetan English Teacher Training Project (TETTP) is a five-year initiative begun in 2004 to improve the availability and quality of English instruction in Tibetan regions through the provision of English teacher training and instruction materials. Trace Foundation’s largest program area is the support of Tibetan-medium schools, which link education to local language and culture. Within the Tibetan-medium system, English language training has emerged as an important focus due to its role in accessing both higher education and professional opportunities. The Foundation has supported promising Tibetan students training to become English teachers since 1999.
English instruction is one of China’s national curriculum priorities and a key component of China’s college entrance examinations. Students with English proficiency can access a broader range of higher education programs, including subjects vital to the development of Tibetan regions. English is also increasingly integral to many professional opportunities. In Tibetan regions, however, English teachers are in short supply. Trace Foundation’s TETTP project seeks to improve the availability and quality of English instruction in Tibetan-medium schools in Qinghai, Gansu, and Sichuan provinces by:
Degree programs: The TETTP project supports Tibetan students at Qinghai Normal University, Northwest Nationalities University, and Qinghai Nationalities Teaching College earning three-year dazhuan and four-year bachelor’s degrees in English instruction. Programs at both levels focus on English proficiency, student-centered teaching methodology, and Tibetan-medium English teaching.
Teaching and learning resources: The TETTP project provides high quality English language teaching and learning resources for selected Tibetan-medium schools.
Native-English-speaking teacher placement: To improve the quality of English teacher training, the TETTP supports native-English-speaking teachers at the Qinghai Nationalities Teaching College.
Degree programs:
Teaching and learning resources:
Native-English-speaking teacher placement:
duration: January 2004
– December 2009
budget: $735,146
(TF Contribution $689,278)
location: Qinghai, Sichuan, & Gansu Provinces
TETTP project partners:
Former partners:
Current partners:
