Foreign Credit Evaluation - Non-University

Greetings, DI friends!

I have a slightly complicated situation that I'd like to put out there and see if anyone can provide some initial pointers, tips, or other feedback. (If any moderators would like to move this thread to a more topical section of the forum, that would be much appreciated! I wasn't sure where to put this.)

Initially, I received my undergraduate degree from an accredited, state-run university in the US and began teaching in America. Then, I moved back to Asia and have been working and taking language classes in-country. Although I have no immediate plans to return to the US, I still would like to keep me teaching license up-to-date and valid. As part of that process, I need to take a number of "continuing professional development units" (CPDUs) and upload them to my online account. Normally, I could get CPDUs through my employer or by taking university classes (presumably in the US).

Due to circumstances, I wondered if any NACES-approved organisations are able to evaluate my language study units. They are not high school credits nor university credits. They are from a third type of institution in my country (Thailand). The school is accredited by the Royal Thai Ministry of Education and offers adults language courses. While this may not matter in the West, the school is part of an educational association under the royal patronage of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Again, this last detail likely means next to nothing in the West, but I bring it up in discussion here to show that the language institute is not some fly-by-night operation or a generic language centre. Rather, it is a sort of prestigious and serious language school with high standards, a long history, and good standing with the Ministry of Education (and the palace) in my country.

This is, obviously, a last-ditch effort to keep my American credentials valid, but perhaps some of our esteemed members could give some initial thoughts or comments. Although such organisations don't exist in the US, would a NACES-approved evaluation company be able to do anything (in theory) with my earned credits? Is it worth paying the fees for WES or a similar company to look at my materials?

Thank you for your thoughts and insights!

Messdiener

 

I did ring the local education office (where I used to work in the US), and they didn't have any plans in place for earning CPDUs while abroad. Thanks for the suggestion though.

I have considered just following through with some of my distance learning plans. This may be a good time to start a(n inexpensive) masters program in the US and then having a simpler way forward with renewing my American teaching license!

In any case, thanks for the reply, Steve!

 

And did you ask the USA education office if they would accept NACES evaluated CPDUs? It strikes me that if they won't do the former they are unlikely to do the later so the whole question in the OP becomes moot because they aren't going to accept any foreign credit regardless of if it's direct or indirect.

 

I didn't call any federal/national education office, but the regional office of educatin in the state I used to work in said to "try getting them evaluated." Honestly, from what I heard on the phone, I think it may be a "give it a shot and see what happens" sort of thing as I think the ROE rarely has foreign credentials brought in.