Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA)

A program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State, and administered by IREX (International Research & Exchanges Board)

FELLOW BIOGRAPHIES

Argentina

Gilda Gabriela Gutierrez, English Teacher Instituto de Formacion Docente No 5 – Jose E. Tello San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina U.S. Host University: Montana State University

Gilda Gabriela Gutierrez is a graduate teacher of English at the Instituto de Formacion Docente No 5 – Jose E. Tello. She has worked as a language teacher at different levels for 8 years now. At present, the age of her students ranges from 12 to 16, and on average there are 20 students in her class. She has been training students for Cambridge Exams in different levels. She also works as a level coordinator for primary school and is studying to get a university degree in English at UCASAL (Universidad Catolica de Salta). Gabriela is married and has no children; her hobbies are reading and watching movies. Her ultimate goal for participating in TEA is to learn how to apply new methodologies and use technology in the classroom environment, so that both her students and the community can benefit from it.

Ana Carmen Miotti, English Teacher Escuela de Ensenanza Media No. 350 “Provincia de Santa Fe” Rosario, Argentina U.S. Host University: Montana State University

Ana Carmen Miotti has been teaching English at a public secondary school for the last 11 years. The age of her students ranges from 12-18 years old, and on average there are 28 students in her class. She also teaches English to adults, including travelers, young entrepreneurs and professionals, and provides one-to-one lessons and small group courses at her office in Rosario. Ana received a college degree in English from the Instituto de Ensenanza Superior Olga Cossettini in 1999. She also received an additional degree in Further Education in English from the National University of Rosario in 2003, with a specialization in teaching and learning styles, and got a bachelor's degree in English from the same university in 2005. Ana lives with her partner and her hobbies include photography and drawing. Her primary objective for participating in TEA is to learn more about the use of new technology tools in the classroom. Juliana Revol, English Teacher Institute Maria de Nazareth / St. John’s School Cordoba, Argentina U.S. Host University: Montana State University

Juliana Revol has been teaching Literature, Language, and CAE exam training in two different private schools for the past 4 years. Her students range in age from 11 to 17, and on average there are 20 students per class. Juliana also leads the Drama Workshop, in which her students have a chance to develop and practice their language skills by preparing and presenting a musical. She not only works closely with the drama teacher in preparing the scenes and choreographies, but also writes and adapts the scripts and songs, as well as designing the programs, posters, etc. Juliana is married and her hobbies include playing the guitar, photography, and video making. Her main objective for participating in TEA is learning how to use the new technologies and methodologies for engaging her students in more meaningful and interesting classes.

Hassan Ahmed Hussein Ahmed, English Teacher Biyala Secondary School for Girls Biyala, Kafr El-Sheik, Egypt U.S. Host University: Montana State University

Hassan Ahmed Hussein Ahmed has been teaching English at Biyala Secondary School for Girls over the past 7 years. The age of his students ranges from 15 to 18 and there are 30 students in his class. He earned a Bachelor of Education in the English Department from Tanta University in Egypt, and in addition was given an EFL scholarship to Edinburgh University in Scotland in July 2002. His key objective for participating in TEA is to delve deep into American culture and enhance his English proficiency.

Amer Hamada Abdelgalil Abdelrahim, English Teacher El Kobba Secondary School Cairo, Egypt U.S. Host University: Montana State University

Amer Hamada Abdelgalil Abdelrahim graduated from the Faculty of Arts, Department of English and has taught English since 1990. His wife also teaches in a school for the deaf. Amer is married with three young daughters and his interests include playing and watching soccer matches. He is participating in the TEA program in order to fulfill his professional objectives.

Georgia

Tamar Kaladze, English Teacher Public School No. 2 Gurjaani, Georgia U.S. Host University: Montana State University Tamar Kaladze has been teaching English language at a public school for the past 7 years. The age of her students ranges from 8 to 17 years old. Tamar has both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree and several certificates in teaching methods from the Ministry of Education and Science, the Peace Corps, and the Council of Europe. She has worked as a chair of a foreign language teachers council and as a counterpart teacher of an American volunteer. She is married and has two sons. Her hobby is listening to music. Her primary objective for participating in TEA is to become a better professional, to learn how to create new lesson plans, and to share with colleagues.

Sopio Khvadagiani, English Teacher St. Nino Public School No. 3 Kutaisi, Georgia U.S. Host University: Montana State University

Sopio Khvadagiani has been teaching English language at a public school for the past 8 years. The ages of her students range from 11 to 15 years old, and on average there are 18 students in her class. She is an active member of a professional association for teachers of English of any level (ETAG) where she has attended many productive workshops and seminars. Sopio won the International Educational Program Scholarship, sponsored by Soros Fund, in 2005 and has also successfully passed Teacher Certification Exams. She is married with two children and her hobbies are travelling and theatre. Her primary objective for participating in TEA is to master new methodologies for delivering more creative, motivational, and student-centered lessons.

Nino Chikvashvili, English Teacher Georgian-American School Progress Kutaisi, Georgia U.S. Host University: Montana State University

Nino Chikvashvili is a founder of the Georgian-American school “Progress.” She has been teaching English and classes on the U.S. for 10 years. The age of students ranges from 14 to 18 and there are 15 to 17 students in each class. She is also one of the active reading teachers of the English club. Nino received a master’s degree in English from Kutaisi State University in 2002 and has earned many certificates in methodology in teaching English awarded by ETAG. Since 2005, she has been working for the Ministry of Education as a co-trainer to prepare teachers for the certification exam. Nino is married with two daughters. Her objective in participating in the TEA program is to embrace new approaches to teaching and using new technologies in class.

Honduras

Marlen Patricia Vargas Aguilar, English Teacher I.H.C.I. Secondary School Comayaguela, Honduras U.S. Host University: Montana State University

Marlen Patricia Vargas Aquilar has taught English for the past 15 years. The age of her students ranges from 14 to 17 years old, and on average there are 35 students in her classes. Marlen is an active member in the school and always looking for and testing new ideas to help students learn. She has led several clubs in reading and writing, which helps students participate and learn many new things without being pushed to do so. She is married and has two sons. The most important thing for her to accomplish during the TEA program is to gain new methodologies for helping students to learn and to make the classroom environment pleasant.

Zoila Marina Sanchez Degrandez, English Teacher Central “Vicente Caceres” Comayaguela, Honduras U.S. Host University: Montana State University

Zoila Marina Sanchez Degrandez has been teaching English at a public school for the past 14 years. The age of her students ranges from 16 to 18 years old and on average there are 40 students in each group. Zoila is an active member in her school, participating in the selection and incorporation of new texts into standard curriculum and the coordination of academic aspects in different levels. She assists with students’ activities such as social work, social activities, and drug and alcohol prevention programs. Zoila received a bachelor’s degree in English from UNAH in 1997 and a certificate in pedagogy from the UPNFM. Zoila is single and her hobbies include cultural exchange, photography, and languages. Her primary objective for participating in TEA is to experiment with methodologies that allow teachers and students to do old things in new ways and explore how technology creates new and different learning experiences for students.

Morocco

Abderrahman Ouarab, English Teacher Abdelmalek Essaadi Kenitra, Morocco U.S. Host University: Montana State University

Abderrahman Ouarab has been teaching English at a public secondary school for the past 23 years. He became a teacher after graduating from university and spending one year at a teacher training school. He is married and has two daughters. His goal in participating in the TEA program is to enhance his teaching skills.

Mohammed Abicha, English Teacher Zitoune Secondary School Meknes, Morocco U.S. Host University: Montana State University

Mohammed Abicha has been teaching English language at a public school for 22 years. The age of his students ranges from 15 to 23 years and on average there are 46 students in his class. In addition, he is a part-time teacher at the American Language Center, Meknes. Mohammed holds a B.A. degree from Fes University and is working towards a Master’s degree in Business Communication. Mohammed is married and has three children. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, and his hobbies are reading and playing chess. His primary objective for participating in TEA is to develop and update his teaching practice. Peru

Roger Aguirre Lopez, English Teacher Republica Argentina Secondary School Chimbote, Peru U.S. Host University: Montana State University

Roger Aguirre Lopez has been teaching English at a public secondary school for 10 years. His students’ ages range from 11 to 15 and on average there are 30 students in his class. Roger is an active member of his school, where he has played a role in promoting English language learning in students and helping his colleagues improve their skills. He also leads an English club that allows students to practice their language skills outside of class. Roger received a bachelor’s degree in English Language Teaching from the National University of Trujillo in 2001. He is married with two children and his hobbies include listening to music. His main goal for participating in TEA is to explore new methodologies for engaging students in an active classroom setting.

Karina Lizbeth Rivera Linares, English Teacher Mariscal Ramon Castilla School Toquepala, Peru U.S. Host University: Montana State University

Karina Lizbeth Rivera Linares has been teaching English for approximately 10 years at different institutes and at a secondary school for 5 years. The age of her students ranges from 11 to 16 years old and there is an average of 15 students in her classes. She is an active member in her school’s activities, helping students with reinforcement classes and working with parents and the psychologist to have better knowledge of her students’ needs. She has a degree in English teaching from Universidad Nacional de San Maros, Lima. Karina has no children and her hobbies include swimming, reading, and painting. One of her objectives for TEA is to develop the use of technology in her classes and learn more about the role of a teacher in society.

Tajikistan

Nigina Mirzoeva, English Teacher Secondary School No. 4 Chkalovsk, Tajikistan U.S. Host University: Montana State University

Nigina Mirzoeva has been teaching English at the secondary school for 13 years. The age of her students ranges from 11 to 17 and on average there are 14 to 28 students in her classes. Nigina always tries to take part in different programs and teacher trainings to improve her teaching skills. She involves her students in extracurricular activities and has English Club in the Internet Learning Center of the school. She involves students in online network activities, and her students take part in different contests and educational programs. Her primary objective for participation in TEA is to learn how to use technology in teaching English and explore new methods of teaching English. Barno Karimova, English Teacher Lyceum No. 1 Kanibadam, Tajikistan U.S. Host University: Montana State University

Barno Karimova is an English teacher at Lyceum No. 1 Kanibadam, Tajikistan. She has been teaching English for 31 years. Her students range in age from 12 to 17 years old, and on average there are 25 to 26 students in her class. She is a one of the innovator teachers of the town's Educational Department and also the vice principal of the lyceum. She graduated from the Leninabad Pedagogical Institute in the Faculty of Foreign Languages. She is married and has three children - two daughters and one son - and also five grandchildren. Her hobbies include dancing and cooking. Her goal in participating in the TEA program is to learn new methods of teaching and put them into practice.

Mamura Mahmudovna Musoeva, English teacher Secondary School No. 3 Kanibadam, Tajikistan U.S. Host University: Montana State University

Mamura Musoeva has been teaching at a public secondary school for the past 28 years. Her students range in age from 15 to 18 years old, on average there are 25 to 26 students in her class. Mamura is a leader of the group to increase the quality of student's knowledge and is also the supervisor in ILC. She graduated from the Dushanbe Pedagogical Institute, Faculty of Foreign Languages. She is married and she has a daughter, two sons, a grandson and a granddaughter. Her hobbies are cooking and traveling. Mamura’s primary objective for participating in TEA is to learn new methodologies of teaching and to use new technology in her classrooms.

Ukraine

Tetiana Shypko, English Teacher Secondary School “Intellect” Kuibysheve, Ukraine U.S. Host University: Montana State University

Tetiana Shypko has been teaching English language and literature at a public secondary school for the past 11 years. The age of her students ranges from 7 to 16 years old and on average there are 18 students in her class. Tetiana provides and leads seminars to teachers in her region. She also does different projects and performances at school to help students practice their language skills. Tetiana received a diploma in English from Zaporizhzhia University in 1992. She is married with two sons and her hobbies include reading, gardening, and cooking. Her primary objective for participating in TEA is to explore new methodologies and gain experience in organizing her work. Valentyna Kovalenko, English Teacher Nosivka District Gymnasium Chernihiv Region, Ukraine U.S. Host University: Montana State University

Valentyna Kovalenko has been teaching English at a secondary school for the past 12 years. The age of her students ranges from 10 to 16 years old and on average there are 20 students in her class. Valentyna is one of the founders of the Nosivka District Resource Center, conducts master classes, and presents workshops for the young English teachers of the district. She received an Honors Diploma as a teacher of English in 1980 from Nizhyn State Pedagogical University. Valentyna is married with a son and a daughter, and her hobbies are writing poetry, singing, and fishing. Her primary objectives for participating in TEA are to explore new methodologies and enhance teaching skills.

Iuliana Zdanevich, English Teacher Secondary School No. 25 Sevastopol, Ukraine U.S. Host University: Montana State University

Iuliana Zdanevich has been an English teacher at a public school since 2007. The age of the students ranges from 8 to 14 years old and on average there are 190 students in her class. She has both a diploma of a teacher and a diploma of a biologist-ecologist. Before working at school No. 25, Iuliana worked at a secondary school and at an institute as an English teacher and at the English courses as an educational manager. She is the head of the district unit of foreign language teachers and an active member of a creative group of teachers who work on developing and promoting the use of computers in the process of teaching. Iuliana is married with a young son and her hobbies are yoga and reading. Her primary objective for participating in TEA is to explore new possibilities and to gain skills in using technologies in and outside the class.