TLG Background Info Teach and Learn with Georgia (TLG) was created in 2010 as part of a series of extensive reforms to the Georgian educational system. Inspired by the President of Georgia's call for a year of education, the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia (MES) designed TLG to bring 1000 English speakers to volunteer in Georgian schools and live in Georgian communities, serving as language teachers, communication partners, and cultural ambassadors. The primary goal of TLG is to improve the English language skills of Georgian students, teachers and families. As a post-Soviet country,Georgiais at a turning point in its history. For centuries, while other countries and cultures were globalizing, Georgia’s borders were closed to the outside world. Now, as a sovereign state, Georgia has the opportunity to integrate with the rest of the world—linguistically and culturally. This is what makes TLG a particularly unique program. Bringing English speakers into classrooms increases English language proficiency throughout the country, which is essential to Georgia’s ability to assimilate into the modern world. Further, bringing English speakers from diverse cultures into not only the classroom, but the communities, as well, encourages interaction and the sharing of values and customs—something Georgia has missed out on for far too long. Following intensive strategic planning, the first group of volunteer English teachers arrived to Georgia in July 2010. By January 2012, only two years after the program was announced, over 30 groups of volunteers, from over 38 countries, have been placed throughout all nine regions of Georgia and the program is transcending its original goals. We invite YOU to be a part of Georgia’s linguistic revolution. TLG Mission Statement Teach and Learn with Georgia (TLG), a progressive education movement initiated by the Georgian government, recruits fluent English speakers to co-teach English alongside local English teachers in public schools throughout the country ofGeorgia. TLG aims to improve Georgia’s nationwide English language proficiency in an effort towards further globalization. The Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia has designed Teach and Learn with Georgia to: Recruit native and fluent English speakers to co-teach in Georgian public schools Promote English language education across Georgia Implement new teaching methodologies focusing on listening and speaking skills Track progress and tackle challenges in the Georgian education system Provide an opportunity for Georgian communities to share their values and engage in a cultural exchange with people from all over the world Benefits As the project “Teach and Learn with Georgia” is of high priority and importance for the country, the Government of Georgia offers the following benefits to the Volunteers: Round-trip Ticket to and from Georgia Orientation Training Upon Arrival Medical Insurance Housing and Living Accommodations Monthly Stipend of Georgian Lari Vacation Round-trip Ticket if Volunteer Commits to Two Consecutive Semesters Mobile Phone on TLG Corporate Network 24/7 Support from the TLG Staff Safe Environment Additionally, the Teach and Learn with Georgia Team, along with the Ministry of Education and Science, organizes activities and plans events for the volunteers to take part in year round. This is in an effort for volunteers to socialize and for the Government of Georgia to show appreciation for the volunteers that are making a difference. Further, upon successful completion of the contract, each Volunteer receives a letter of recommendation from TLG and a certificate signed by the Minister of Education and Science of Georgia as well as the Georgia’s Director of the National Center for Teacher Professional Development, signifying his or her dedication to the program. Roles Academic Roles: At school, the Volunteer English Teachers lesson plan and co-teach with up to three Local English Teachers for a maximum of 30 hours per week. They create interactive activities with a specific focus on listening and speaking skills. Many volunteers organize extracurricular activities based on their personal interests. Non Academic Roles: At home, the Volunteers are expected to tutor their host families for three hours each week. Volunteers participate in cultural exchange activities with their host families and integrate with the local communities. Weekly/Monthly Report: Every Volunteer is responsible for filling out and submitting a report on the last Friday of each month which details the individual weeks. The TLG Team has specific procedures for reading each report and responding when necessary. The aim of these reports is to address challenges and track improvements through monthly analysis. Keywords: teach english