John Achrazoglou, clinical associate professor and chief technology officer in the University of Iowa College of Education, has been selected by the U.S. Department of State for a three-week English language specialist project focusing on technology in Pakistan.

Achrazoglou is one of about 80 U.S. citizens selected each year to serve on an English language specialist assignment.

During this assignment, which will take place in July and August, he will train teachers in Pakistan on the latest instructional technologies that will improve their teaching. He also will guide underprivileged secondary Pakistani students on using internet tools and resources to increase their English skills. Students will produce websites (ePortfolios) that advance their job-seeking efforts. About 1,000 teachers and students will be trained.

Achrazoglou is director of the Education Technology Center in the College of Education with a faculty appointment in the Department of Teaching and Learning. His areas of expertise include assistive technologies for learners with disabilities, distance education, electronic portfolios for professional assessment and development, and Universal Design of Learning.

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, 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 U.S. and overseas.

Since 1991, the English Language Specialist Program has sent hundreds of scholars and educators abroad to promote English language learning and foster mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries through cultural exchange. Those selected represent the best of the U.S. teaching community. In return, the program provides professional development opportunities to help participants experience different cultures and build skills that can enhance their careers back home.