Doctoral Candidate Receives Fulbright Scholarship

Diana L. Hopes, a doctoral candidate in the department of Curriculum and Instruction at Texas A&M University-Commerce, is the recipient of this year's J. William Fulbright Scholarship.

The Fulbright U.S. Scholarship Program sends American scholars, artists and professionals across the world to lecture or conduct research for up to one year. This program is sponsored by the U.S. government in hopes that it will increase interaction and understanding between the people of the United States and those of foreign countries. It is administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State. The scholarship board is comprised of twelve educational and public leaders appointed by the President of the United States to formulate policies for the management of the program, institute criteria for the selection of candidates and approve applicants to receive awards.

As a Fulbright scholar, Hopes will work with faculty and staff at Universidad del Valle de Guatemala in Guatemala City, Guatemala from July 2013 to March 2014. In her nine months there, she will spend time supporting the improvement, implementation and evaluation of the multilingual and multicultural national curriculum. Her proposed project will use technology, mainly social media, and is entitled “Developing and Implementing International Professional Learning Communities (IPLCs) for Teachers of English as a Foreign/Second Language in Guatemala and the United States”. This venture will focus on introducing a cooperative exchange of ideas among faculty and staff of A&M-Commerce and Universidad del Valle de Guatemala on the various issues in learning a second language.

“Diana Hopes is a thoughtful and rigorous teacher and scholar as well as committed advocate for English learners,” said Dr. Martha Foote, Head of the Department of Curriculum & Instruction. “She brings expertise gained from a variety of settings in preparing professional educators for teaching English learners. The Fulbright Scholar appointment in Guatemala will enhance her insight, knowledge and skills on a more global scale. I expect the impact of the Fulbright experience to be immeasurable and will expand collaboration and connections for our university as well.”

Hopefuls of the Fulbright Program undergo a multi-phase review process that involves extensive examination of the application and skill set of the candidate. Mrs. Hopes submitted her application in September of 2012, and after multiple thorough review processes by various committees of the program, she was recommended for a full scholarship board review in February. The board awarded Mrs. Hopes with her grant in March of this year.

For more information on the Fulbright Scholarship Program visit http://eca.state.gov/fulbright.