Shortage of Chinese Language Teachers in Oregon Prompts Virtual Classes with Educators in China

From http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro/index.ssf/2011/02/shortage_of_chinese_language_teachers_prompts_virtual_classes_with_educators_in_china.html

Shortage of Chinese language teachers in Oregon prompts virtual classes with educators in China
By Wendy Owen
February 6, 2011

About 6,000 miles away at 2 a.m., a teacher in China will turn on her computer and teach Mandarin to students in Oregon.

At least, that's the hope of educators at the Northwest Regional Education Service District in Hillsboro. By the end of February, the Education Service District (ESD) plans to offer the first virtual Mandarin Chinese language classes in Oregon taught by teachers in China.

Because of China's growing economic power, Chinese has replaced other foreign languages, such as German, in some Oregon school districts, but it's difficult to find Chinese teachers.

In Oregon, there are a total of 17 licensed Chinese teachers, said Vickie Chamberlain, executive director, Teacher Standards and Practices Commission.

The classes, offered through the Oregon Virtual Education Center, cost $600 per semester, per student. School districts would pay the fees, which go to myChinese360, the company providing the program. Classes will have a maximum of 10 students.

Read the full article at http://www.oregonlive.com/hillsboro/index.ssf/2011/02/shortage_of_chinese_language_teachers_prompts_virtual_classes_with_educators_in_china.html