Kupferman Selected by U.S. Department of State for Prestigious Specialist Project

The U.S. Department of State has selected Scott Kupferman, Associate Professor of Teaching and Learning at UCCS, to travel to the Philippines.

The U.S. Department of State announced the selection of Scott Kupferman for a multi-phase Specialist project focusing on enhancing accessible and inclusive education for students who are deaf in the Philippines, in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Manila and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Deaf Education. Kupferman is part of a select group, as his project is one of approximately 240 that the Specialist Program supports each year.

“I am excited for the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with students and colleagues in the Philippines,” Kupferman said. “In addition to my direct efforts to improve access and inclusion for students with disabilities, I hope that my Specialist project will help to facilitate additional international exchange opportunities between UCCS and the Philippines.”

Kupferman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning in the UCCS College of Education. He recently concluded a five-month Fulbright Scholar award at the University of Tokyo, Japan. Kupferman is an internationally recognized scholar with recent projects in Japan, India, Argentina, South Korea, Nepal, United Arab Emirates and South Africa. His research, teaching and service efforts have led to several awards, including invitations to be a delegate at the United Nations in Geneva, research fellow at multiple technology companies, and recipient of the U.S. Department of Education’s Commissioner’s Award for Excellence.

Through projects developed by U.S. Embassies in more than 80 countries, 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 United States and overseas.

Since 1991, the Specialist Program has supported in-country, virtual, and mixed projects in which scholars and educators promote learning, enhance teaching capacity, and foster mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries through cultural exchange. During their projects, Specialists may conduct intensive teacher training, advise ministries of education or participate in high-level educational consultations, and offer plenary presentations at regional, national or international conferences. These projects are challenging and those selected represent the best of the U.S. In return, the program provides professional development opportunities to help participants experience different cultures and build skills that can greatly enhance their careers at home.

Specialists are counted among the more than 50,000 individuals participating in U.S. Department of State exchange programs each year. The Specialist Program is administered by the Center for Intercultural Education and Development at Georgetown University.

For further information about the Specialist Program or the U.S. Department of State, please contact us by telephone at 202-632-6452, or e-mail [email protected].