Statement of Purpose
The Foundation for Innovation and Excellence in Italian Teaching (FIEIT) is committed to advancing Italian language and culture education in bilingual or multilingual contexts, through innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity. Our mission is to empower educators with cutting-edge resources and pedagogical strategies, ensuring students of all backgrounds can access high-quality Italian language learning opportunities.
In collaboration with key stakeholders—including the Consulate General of Italy in New York, the Italian Cultural Institute, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and other institutions specializing in Italian studies—FIEIT actively works to expand the reach of Italian language programs. By promoting new initiatives and securing funding from the Italian government, we aim to bring Italian language education to more schools across the Tri-State area and beyond.
FIEIT believes fostering a deep connection with the Italian language and heritage enriches lives and strengthens cultural ties. Through our dedication to educators and students, we aspire to inspire a lifelong passion for the Italian language and culture, ensuring its enduring presence in educational institutions and communities.
In the specific, FIEIT focuses on five core objectives:
1. Professional Development: The foundation will design and deliver tailored workshops for K-12 Italian teachers, equipping them with innovative methods and tools to foster engaging and effective language instruction.
2. Curriculum Design and Assessment: The foundation will collaborate in Italian language and culture curriculum studies, design, and assessment. We create and distribute high-quality teaching materials aligned with contemporary educational standards, addressing the dynamic needs of both educators and students.
3. Program Expansion: The foundation will advocate for and support the growth of dual enrollment programs, enabling high school students to earn college credits while exploring the richness of the Italian language and culture.
4. Certification of Language Competency: The foundation will establish collaborations with Italian Certifying Institutions, (authorized to release language certificates), to award language competency certifications in the United States.
5. Creation of multimedia research and resource center: The foundation will create an online portal to provide pedagogical and didactical resources for Italian teacher, educators and students.