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 23-24 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 (U-M Ann Arbor Campus, Arab American National Museum)
Overnight Lodging (under special circumstances)
Tickets and Fees to cultural events, artistic performances, and museum visits related to the Middle East and North Africa
Complimentary copies of each book
Educators serving in under-resourced and/or rural school districts or community colleges are especially encouraged to apply.
Tentative Schedule: October 2023 (in-person@ Arab American National Museum in Dearborn, MI), February 2024 (TBD), and April 2024 (TBD). Tentative Dates: October 28, February 3, and April 6.
In response to participant feedback from last year’s MENA Reading Cohort, this year’s books will focus on narratives from SE Michigan and beyond that explore the theme of boundaries and belonging.
Selected Books:
October 28, 2023: “Hadha Baladuna: Arab American narratives of boundary and belonging”. Edited by Ghassan Zeineddine, Nabeel Abraham, and Sally Howell. 2022.
February 3, 2024: “Apeirogon: A Novel” by Colum McCann. 2020.
April 6, 2024: “The ungrateful refugee: What immigrants never tell you” by Dina Nayeri. 2019.
The Middle East North Africa Reading Cohort is open to all K-12 in-service teachers and community college faculty in Michigan. Space is limited.
For more information, contact cmenasoutreach@umich.edu
To apply, please complete the online form via this link by Friday, September 8, 2023. Notification of selection will occur on or before Friday, September 15, 2023.
