Christine Fiorite Selected by US Department of State for Prestigious English Language Specialist Project
Christine Fiorite, Assistant Director of English Language Support and Academic Skills at Northwestern University School of Professional Studies (SPS), completed a prestigious two-week assignment in Bahrain, as part of the US Department of State's English Language Specialist Program.
During her time in Bahrain, Fiorite facilitated a series of professional development workshops for English language teachers, focusing on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework designed to make education more accessible and effective for all learners. The workshops provided hands-on activities and collaborative techniques to create more inclusive learning environments.
Fiorite was one of approximately 250 specialists chosen for the program in the past year. According to the State Department's press release, "The English Language Specialist Program is the premier opportunity for leaders in the field of teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) to enact meaningful and sustainable changes in the way that English is taught abroad."
The press release continues, "These projects are challenging, and those selected represent the best of the US TESOL community."
Fiorite shares that her experiences affirmed her value in creating spaces for mutual learning and collaboration. "What made this experience truly special was how much of a two-way exchange it became," she says. "While I came in as a facilitator, I found myself constantly learning from the teachers about their creativity, their dedication, and the innovative ways they create supportive environments for their students. It was a genuine cultural exchange, and the warmth and enthusiasm of the teachers in Bahrain made this an unforgettable experience."
Fiorite has over 20 years of experience in teaching and providing teacher training to educators working with students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds across the US and internationally. She holds a doctorate in higher education from Northern Illinois University and a master's in applied linguistics/TESOL from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
The English Language Specialist Program, administered by Georgetown University's Center for Intercultural Education and Development, has been fostering international educational partnerships since 1991. The program operates in more than 80 countries, providing opportunities for English Language Specialists to work directly with local teacher trainers, educational leaders, and ministry of education officials.
"One of the biggest takeaways [from this experience] was realizing how much teachers have in common no matter where they are in the world," Fiorite says. "Being chosen for this project was an honor. I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute my expertise while engaging in meaningful cultural exchange and professional collaboration with Bahraini educators."