Turkey: Exploring Current Challenges

A Choices Leadership Institute
Brown University | Providence, RI
July 7-11, 2014

Application Deadline: Monday, March 17, 2014

The Choices Leadership Institute is an opportunity to be immersed in the Choices Program’s award-winning curriculum materials and approach, and plan strategies for introducing the Choices Program to participants’ school districts and beyond. While using the Choices Program’s forthcoming curriculum unit on modern Turkey as a content focus, participants will examine instructional strategies for engaging secondary students in the study of contested international issues, share best practices with other dedicated and innovative teachers, and explore methods for conducting effective professional development.

Content Focus: Modern Turkey

Situated at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Turkey has tremendous geographic, political, and economic significance. Many world leaders value Turkey as a stable, secular democracy in a volatile region. As the oldest democracy with a majority-Muslim population in the Middle East, Turkey has proclaimed itself to be a positive source of inspiration for other countries. However, as Turkey works toward membership in the EU, questions of human rights and constitutional reform, the meaning of secularism and democracy, the role of religion in society, and Turkey’s relationship with its neighbors and the world are being explored.

Benefits

• Professional growth through content-rich presentations and discussions
• Immersion in the Choices approach to teaching contested international issues to secondary students
• Opportunity to interact with outstanding educators from across the country to share strategies for incorporating content on modern-day Turkey, the new Choices unit on Turkey, and Choices resources in your district
• Resources and ongoing support from the Choices Program to conduct professional development activities in your school, district, and region as outlined in your Action Plan
• Designation and recognition as a Choices Teaching Fellow
• 32-hour certificate of completion

Requirements

• Attend the Institute in its entirety
• Complete activities listed in your self-designed Action Plan
• Commit to an online discussion with Choices on the progress of your activities

NOTE: Meals, housing, and reading materials throughout the institute are provided and arranged by Choices. There is no cost for the institute. Participants are required to cover their own travel and parking costs (if any) to and from the institute.