Dar America is hosting its first job fair for English-speaking teachers: An initiative that aims to contribute to Morocco’s employability efforts, connecting English-speaking educators with potential employers.
HIBAPRESS-RABAT
The Consulate General of the United States in Casablanca, through its Dar America cultural center, yesterday organized a job fair for English-speaking educators. The event saw the participation of over 200 teachers who use English as the medium of instruction in various subjects, including language learning and STEM.
The teachers present met representatives of 15 institutions, including private schools, universities and language centers.
Designed as an opportunity for networking, recruiting and professional development, the Career Fair also hosted three panel discussions led by a panel of academics and education experts. The topics covered were: education in the era of smart technologies, building an inclusive classroom, and the transition to English within the Moroccan education system.
The initiative supports the Moroccan government’s efforts to boost employability and promote the teaching of English in Moroccan schools. “Morocco is taking big steps forward in the overall modernization of its education system, with the introduction, for example, of the English language earlier in the curriculum. We are honored to support these efforts through events like today’s Career Fair,” said U.S. Consul General Marissa Scott.
“Another example of USA-Morocco cooperation in this area is the Bridge to Middle School program. Through this program, USAID, in close cooperation with the Moroccan Ministry of National Education, supported the introduction of the English language in pilot colleges in three regions of the Kingdom,” added Consul General Scott.
Designed for the period 2022-2027, the Bridge to Middle School program started in 2022 in 3 pilot regions: Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, Marrakech-Safi and Beni Mellal-Khenifra. Through this program, English language has so far been introduced in the first year of college in 60 pilot colleges in 2023.
The Casablanca-Settat region is also joining Moroccan efforts to introduce the English language earlier in schools. In a recent press release, the Casablanca-Settat Regional Education and Training Academy announced that it would launch an experimental English teaching program in the sixth year of elementary school from the 2024-2025 school year .
The job fair for English-speaking educators that Dar America organized today joins a host of other free programs that the center organizes throughout the year to boost the education and employability of Moroccan youth. Dar America’s activities include conferences, public speaking workshops, English language clubs, among other capacity building programs. Dar America also offers educational guidance to Moroccan students wishing to pursue their higher education in the United States.
Experts participating in the round tables:
Education in the Era of Smart Technology
Ali Anthony Bell: English as Second Language Specialist, Groupe Scolaire Elbilia.
Jenna Tuckerman: Fulbright English Language Teacher, Hassan II University
Sanaa El Filali: Vice-dean and Professor at Ben Msik University
No Child Left Behind: Building an Inclusive Classroom
Mark Schoenknecht: Professor at University of Illinois at Chicago, Fulbright.
Hajar Ouknider: Assistant Professor, Higher School of Technology of Casablanca
Kat Brouillette: Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, National School of Applied Sciences Tetouan
Navigating the Shift to English within the Moroccan Education System
Nouha Belhami: Higher Education and English Language Programs Coordinator, US Embassy Rabat
Abdelmoumen Talib: Regional Academy of Education and Training Casablanca
Noor Majdalani: Education Advisor, USAID
Abdelmajid Bouziane: Emeritus Professor of Education at the Department of English Studies, Hassan II University.
Participating institutions
American Language Center
London Academy
Victoria George
Maple Bear Casablanca
American Academy
British Workshop
Mundiapolis University
3B Golden Gate
Valley School
Joan of Arc School
George Washington Academy
British International School
Philosopher school
William Shakespeare
ESCA School of Management
