UNDERSTANDING OUR WORLD
Behind the Scenes with ITE
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ome of the attendees at the International Teacher Education (ITE) webinars in November had questions about the ITE scholarship program, and since the theme of this KAPPAN issue is World Understanding, we hope to answer those queries and enlighten others with our answers. Q: How many scholars are chosen each year? A: The maximum number of scholarships funded each year is seven. The usual time for students to earn their Masters’ degrees is two years; however, some scholars complete the program earlier, so the number chosen each year varies. Currently, we have five students who have earned their Masters in 2021, while two will be starting their second year in August. Q: When are the recipients chosen, by whom and what criteria? A: The deadline for them to apply is January 15. The three-person ITE Board selects the students after receiving applications from Headquarters. The adjudication process is in February, and selections are then given to our Scholarship and Grants Coordinator (SGC) in late February. Occasionally, there are independent applicants who sign up for consideration through our scholarship management program – Kaleidoscope. Otherwise, the applicants are Fulbright scholars who need supplemental funding. Q: Why are most of the students Fulbright scholars? A: While the $10,000 scholarship each from Alpha Delta Kappa is a sizable amount, it does not cover the many expenses for a year in college. We have partnered with the Fulbright/Institute of International Education (IIE) for many years and it has been an advantage to all concerned. The student has the additional funds needed and another contact for support. Q: How successful has this scholarship program been? A: Since its inception in 1961 and first students in 1963, the program has been very successful with over 250 students from more than 60 countries having benefited from this program. Many students stay in touch with their co-sponsors and ITE Board members as they return to their countries. Q: Where do the funds come from? A: The funds partially come from you, our members, and your dues. One dollar of everyone’s annual dues goes toward this program, plus another fee from each chapter. We feel proud to support such a worthy program. The remainder of the cost comes from our Alpha Delta Kappa Foundation. Q: What happens to them when they leave the United States? A: Most of the students return to their home country to use their new knowledge in educating others. Some continue their educa12
tion and work toward a Ph.D. degree. The general rule is for each Fulbright student to return to their home country for two years. This benefits the student and the country. Q: Are they able to travel home in an emergency? A: The students rarely have an emergency that calls for them to return to their home countries. However, occasionally this does happen, and with the help of the university, Fulbright, and Alpha Delta Kappa, they have made that journey. The current graduates were not allowed to return home in 2020 due to the pandemic, so they have remained on their campuses and tried to take additional classes while there. Some were offered internships for summer of 2020, which had to be changed to a virtual situation. Q: How does one get selected for the ITE Board? A: There is a volunteer form on our website. Each biennium there is encouragement for those that want to serve on Committees or Boards to fill out that online form. There are sixteen different areas to select from and ITE Board (a six-year commitment) is one of them. The International Executive Board elects a new board member each biennium. Q: What makes this scholarship different from others? A: This scholarship comes with the emotional support of co-sponsors and all our members. Each student ideally will have two cosponsors near her university. They not only introduce the student to our organization, but they also bring a “family” experience to the student so far from home. Q: What is the process for selecting co-sponsors? A: The selection of co-sponsors depends upon where the university is located and if AΔK has a chapter nearby. Then, the state president is notified the student will be coming, and co-sponsors are needed. The state president will call the chapter nearest, and the chapter president then will ask for volunteers. If you would like to be considered, let your state president know and if the selected student and university is near your home, you could be asked to participate. Q: What is the personal expense in being a co-sponsor? A: It varies. Some co-sponsors help with setting up the student’s living quarters and shopping for food, etc. Lunches and events are usually paid for by the one inviting the student. The co-sponsor is expected to accompany the student to (in-person) events such as ITE Weekend and International Convention. The scholars are young adults, so they do not need “mothering” as much as a friend and colleague. Many co-sponsors give generously to their scholar; however, a big part of the co-spon-
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