Reciprocity of an International Teacher Education Partnership: Impact on Italian Cooperating Teachers

• In Event: Hilton Roundtable Session 2
  In Roundtable Session: International Teachers

Abstract

While international teacher education partnerships necessitate relationships with host education communities, much of the literature only considers the impact of the overseas teaching experiences on the American university intern. This project addresses this gap by investigating the benefits of participation in an international teacher education program for the Italian cooperating teachers. A global service learning framework is used to discuss the findings. Cooperating teachers were challenged in mentoring American interns, but ultimately benefited professionally by improving intercultural communication and understanding of international education practices. Cooperating teachers also wanted to actively participate in strengthening the global partnership. Implications for engaging host teachers when building and researching international education partnerships are shared.

Authors

• Laura Boynton Hauerwas, Providence College

• Meaghan Creamer, Vanderbilt University - Peabody College