CMENAS builds a collegial and intellectually invigorating learning community open to all Michigan and regional K-14 educators! The Middle East North Africa Reading Cohort (MENA-RC) develops educators’ understanding and appreciation of the region’s history and culture, situating them in a broader, global context. In three sessions, the 2024-25 MENA-RC will engage in lively and robust two-hour discussions of books pertaining to Middle Eastern and/or North African history and culture. Book discussions and conversations will be held in person and will be facilitated by Jennifer Lund, CMENAS Outreach Coordinator. Faculty/Graduate Students at U-M or other institutions and community organizations may occasionally join sessions.
Program perks include State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) from the Michigan Department of Education, as well as:
- Travel to/from the discussion venue (travel distance of 45 miles or more)
- Overnight Lodging (under special circumstances)
- Tickets and Fees to cultural events, artistic performances, and museum visits related to the Middle East and North Africa (often afternoons on the day of the book discussion)
- Complimentary copies of each book will be mailed to you before each session
- Additional teaching resources to accompany each book topic
Educators serving in under-resourced and/or rural school districts or community colleges are especially encouraged to apply.
This year’s MENA Reading Cohort will feature books surrounding the theme “MENA Women Respond” and will feature stories of women-led responses to current events in Iran, the United States, and Egypt.
Book Sessions:
Saturday, November 9, 2024, 10 AM-12 PM (In-person: Weiser Hall, 500 Church Street, Ann Arbor)
Women Life Freedom by Marjane Satrapi — featuring guest speaker Azar Kafaei, U-M PhD candidate specializing in modern history of Iran
Saturday, February 8, 2025, 10 AM-12 PM (Location TBD)
Superheroes in the Streets by Kimberly Wedeven Segall
Saturday, April 5, 2025, 3-5 PM (In-person: Weiser Hall, 500 Church Street, Ann Arbor)
Lissa by Sherine Hamdy — includes tickets to 7:30 PM evening performance at Hill Auditorium: Marcel, Rami, and Sary Khalife: Legacy
The Middle East North Africa Reading Cohort is open to all K-14 in-service teachers and community college faculty in Michigan. This year’s cohort will be capped at 20 participants. Please only apply if you can participate in all three sessions. All sessions meet in person.
For more information, contact cmenasoutreach@umich.edu.
To apply, please complete the online form using this form by Monday, September 30, 2024. Notification of selection will occur on or before Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
