Host Families Needed for Chinese Language Teachers

 Chinese language instruction will continue in the during the 2012-2013 school year for grades 1-4, but the district needs the public's help to reduce costs.

The elementary Chinese program was made possible by the district being awarded a Minnesota Visiting Teacher Program Grant. Grant dollars cover most of the expenses allowing STMA to implement the program at a minimal cost to the district.

Students in grades 1-4 will have a 30-40 minute Chinese class once every six days, said curriculum director and Albertville Primary principal Ann Marie Foucault. The integration of various content areas such as social studies, science, and language arts will allow Chinese to be seamlessly incorporated into the existing student day.

As part of the grant, STMA is required to find host families for the teachers from China. Six families are being sought to host a teacher by providing housing, food, and transportation to and from school for half of a school year. A $500 stipend will be given to each host family.

If interested in hosting a teacher from China, contact Dr. Ann-Marie Foucault, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, at 763-497-6524 or annmarief@stma.k12.mn.us.