Elianna Novitch, UI College of Education
John Achrazoglou, a clinical associate professor and chief technology officer in the University of Iowa College of Education, was able to combine his passions for education and technology on his recent trip to Pakistan.
Over the course of a three-week period, Achrazoglou worked with more than 1,000 students and teachers across Pakistan where he trained teachers on the latest instructional technologies and helped students learn internet tools and resources to increase their English skills. These experiences were part of his English language specialist assignment through the U.S. Department of State.
The English Language Specialist Program is the premier opportunity for leaders in the field of teaching to enact sustainable changes in the way teachers teach and learners learn. Through projects developed by U.S. Embassies in more than 80 countries, English Language 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 U.S. and overseas.
Achrazoglou was one of about 80 U.S. citizens selected to serve on an English language specialist assignment. His assignment took place from July 11 to August 3 and spread his time across three major cities in Pakistan including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
Along with training teachers, Achrazoglou also worked with underprivileged secondary Pakistani students on producing websites (e-Portfolios) that advance their job-seeking efforts.