Above: Pakistani teachers in the 2017 Teaching Excellence and Achievement program pose for a group photo during a welcoming ceremony held at UNC.

For the sixth consecutive year, UNC's School of Teacher Education is hosting English teachers from Pakistan as part of the Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) Program sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and administered by the International Research and Exchanges Board.

Nineteen Pakistani secondary teachers arrived on campus on Friday to start receiving instruction that will improve their teaching knowledge and skills. While on campus, they'll take courses in general teaching methodologies, English as a foreign language, technology, and English grammar and writing.

The teachers, who are living in Lawrenson Hall, are also participating in various social and cultural activities with faculty, students and members of the Greeley community who serve as Family Friends.

They'll be on campus through October 9 before heading to Washington, D.C., for closing ceremonies and returning to Pakistan.

The TEA program at UNC is directed by Professor Madeline Milian with assistance from Ginny Helwick-Jackson, Melissa Adams and Carmenza Leavitt.