Dr. Holly W. Arnold Selected by U.S. Department of State for Prestigious English Language Specialist Assignment

KENNESAW, Ga. (Mar 8, 2019) — The U.S. Department of State announced the selection of Dr. Holly W. Arnold of Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA for a three-week English Language Specialist project focusing on the TESOL-Ukraine National Conference, IATEFL Conference, and GOCamp training of teacher-trainers Ukraine at O.M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy. Dr. Arnold is part of a select group, as one of approximately 80 U.S. citizens each year selected to serve on an English Language Specialist assignment.

Dr. Arnold teaches undergraduate and graduate teacher education courses in the field of TESOL at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia, United States. She has worked in teacher training and professional development in both the public-school system and at the college level. Her professional experiences also include ESOL consulting services for school districts, advocacy, and authorship. Prior to her work at Kennesaw State University, Dr. Arnold taught middle grades ESOL and literacy courses through multiple delivery models. Her academic interests and publications address: teacher education, support, and preparedness in culturally responsive pedagogy for linguistically and culturally diverse students; the achievement and experiences of English learners in the online learning environment; and English learners in innovative delivery models and classrooms. While in Ukraine, Dr. Arnold will work directly with the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv to train teacher-trainers across the country, perform teachertrainer observations, and provide interactive workshops for GO Camp trainers. She will conduct multiple workshops at two conferences: TESOL-Ukraine and IATEFL. Dr. Arnold is also serving as the plenary speaker for TESOL-Ukraine.

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. Through projects developed by U.S. Embassies in more than 80 countries, EL Specialists work directly with local teacher trainers, educational leaders, and ministry
of education officials to exchange knowledge, build capacity, and establish partnerships benefiting participants, institutions, and communities in the United States and overseas.

Since 1991, the English Language Specialist Program has sent hundreds of TESOL scholars and educators abroad to promote English language learning, enhance English teaching capacity, and foster mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries through cultural exchange. On assignment, EL Specialists may conduct intensive teacher training, advise ministries of education or participate in high-level educational consultations, and offer plenary presentations at regional, national or international TESOL conferences. These projects are challenging and those selected represent the best of the U.S. TESOL community. In return, the program provides professional development opportunities to help participants experience different cultures and build skills that can greatly enhance their TESOL careers back home.

English Language Specialists are counted among the more than 50,000 individuals participating in U.S. Department of State exchange programs each year. The Specialist Program is administered by the Center for Intercultural Education and Development at Georgetown University.

For further information about the English Language Specialist Program or the U.S. Department of State, please visit our http://elprograms.org/specialist, contact us by telephone at 202-632-6452, or e-mail ECAPress@state.gov.