The NEA Academy Partners With Berlitz to Offer Language Instruction

GAITHERSBURG, Md., Nov. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Education Association (NEA) Academy is partnering with Berlitz to offer the NEA's 3.2 million members the opportunity to take language instruction classes based on the world-famous conversational Berlitz Method.

The Berlitz Method has been proven to be the most natural and effective way to learn a language.  All classroom conversation takes place in the target language led by highly trained native fluent instructors, totally immersing participants in the new language.

"As a speaker of two languages, I understand first-hand how learning a second language builds confidence and increases cultural understanding – skills educators need in today's increasingly diverse classrooms," said Lily Eskelsen, vice president of the National Education Association. "Berlitz is the gold standard in language acquisition, and we are thrilled to offer our members access to their classes."  

The partnership offers multiple class options to fit the busy lifestyles of educators. NEA members can take private or small-group instruction at select Berlitz locations, or live, online via the Berlitz Virtual Classroom. All 187 languages, taught by Berlitz, will be available to NEA members, starting at the special NEA member price of $299.

"Berlitz is very pleased to be working with the NEA to bring our services to members here in the U.S.," said Marcos Justus, managing director, Berlitz North America Region.  "As a global education company, we understand the vital importance of continued professional development for educators. Language skills can be a critical component for success both inside and outside the classroom in a multi-cultural society such as ours."

To learn more, visit http://www.neaacademy.org/berlitz-foreign-languages.html

About the NEA Academy & NEA Member Benefits

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers. The NEA Academy is the professional learning group developed to support educators with the highest quality online programs and is dedicated to meeting the professional needs of teachers and education support professionals.

NEA MB is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the NEA charged with bringing additional value to Association membership by providing financial products and solutions tailored for NEA members and their families.

About Berlitz Corporation

With more than 550 locations in over 70 countries, Berlitz Corporation has long been established as the world's premier provider of language training and cross-cultural services. Today Berlitz is a global leadership training and education company with a comprehensive portfolio which adds communications skills development, global leadership training and customized dynamic solutions for cultural competency, available via multiple delivery platforms. For more information on Berlitz programs and services, visit www.berlitz.us.

SOURCE NEA Academy