The Seattle Public Schools (SPS) Startalk program is unique in that out of 81 awardees, it is the program that is closest to graduating a cohort of state certified teachers of Chinese, Arabic and Hindi. What has guided the SPS program is the goal of teacher certification for speakers of the less commonly taught languages. Each time we smacked into what appeared to be a roadblock, we managed to think and plan our way around it.
None of this would have been possible without the tireless efforts of community volunteer Dr. Marge Chow, the project consultant and expert on all things regarding certification. We also owe a debt of gratitude to the support team in the International Education office for its expertise in back up and budgeting. Pacific Lutheran University has been a great partner in this year's program.
Most of all, the program is about you Startalkers, the pioneers of critical language teacher certification. Without your persistence and willingness to learn in another language, to test yourselves against state requirements, and your quickness to help and support each other, the program would not have come as far as it has.
You are the soon to be language leaders of wherever you live and teach; you will write and bring in grants, and some of you will even manage programs similar to this one.
You are a great team with a great future.
It's a pleasure working with each and every one of you on the goals of Startalk.
Betty
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