The Relational Work of Leading an International Professional Experience

• In Event: 32.043 - Opportunities for Learning From Participation in International Professional Experience

Abstract

This paper explores the professional learning afforded to a teacher educator from leading an international professional experience (IPE). Sanderson (2008) claimed that universities’ goals of internationalisation for students cannot be fully realised without the internationalisation of the personal and professional outlooks of the teaching staff involved in these programs. Taking Sanderson’s concept of the academic Self, this paper presents findings from a qualitative self-study in which the essentially relational nature of the work of leading an IPE, and the importance of developing, understanding and nurturing relationships with colleagues, pre-service teachers and teachers and administrators in the host setting, was revealed. This work contributes to knowledge about how one teacher educator experienced leading an international practicum, and has implications for how others taking on teaching responsibilities in international contexts can be better prepared and supported to take on these roles.

Author

• Judy Joy Williams, Monash University