PLANTATION, Florida – Congratulations are in order for the Plantation Middle School and Western High School for being selected to host teachers from China as part of the Teachers of Critical Language Program by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
The schools are two of only 28 that have won a nationwide competition to host Chinese language teachers to strengthen their language and culture programs. This is the second year that Plantation Middle has been selected to host a teacher from China.
In addition, students, teachers and community members will have the opportunity to learn about the visiting teachers’ home countries in China, and expand their understanding of the world and the global workforce. In return, exchange teachers gain first-hand knowledge of the United States to share with students and fellow teachers in their home countries.
“We are incredibly proud that Plantation Middle School and Western High School were selected for the Teachers of Critical Languages Program,” said Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) Superintendent Robert W. Runcie. “It’s important for our students to become global learners and to build international competencies. Mandarin Chinese is one of the critical languages of the world and we’re thrilled to provide this cultural and academic experience for our students.”
In addition to Plantation Middle and Western High, BCPS offers Mandarin Chinese at Crystal Lake Middle School, Falcon Cove Middle School and Parkway Middle School; and Cypress Bay High School, Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy, Pompano Beach High School and South Broward High School.
The Teachers of Critical Languages Program is supported and fully funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and implemented by the American Council for International Education. The program is designed to increase the study and acquisition of important world languages and to help U.S. schools and districts expand and reinforce existing world languages programs.
