Abstract:

This presentation will share collaborative efforts with governmental organizations, non-profit organizations, and institutions of higher education to support international teacher exchange programs at our institution. The University of Northern Colorado has been actively engaged in supporting international teachers since 2008 and has collaborated with multiple agencies to bring teachers from across the world to our campus with the goal to improve their pedagogical knowledge, linguistic skills, and cultural awareness. Our institution has participated in regional, single country, and multiple countries programs and continues to pursue opportunities that will strengthen our efforts to support international teachers. We will share information about our multiple international exchange programs, lessons learned, and provide suggestions to those who would like to engage in these efforts within their institutions.

International Teacher Exchange programs provide critical cultural, linguistic, pedagogical, and content knowledge to teachers who are selected to participate in such programs Teachers who participate in international exchange opportunities become more mindful and increase their awareness of other cultures, teaching practices, curriculum, and policies and regulations related to educational programs in other educational contexts. Observing how other teachers plan and deliver instruction can potentially assist teachers in transforming their own professional practices back home.

Researchers have confirmed the personal and professional benefits obtained by pre- service and in-service teachers who had the opportunity to complete teaching opportunities abroad. Teachers have stated that these exchange opportunities have provided advantages when searching for teaching positions, allowed them to gain cultural awareness and better global understandings, increased their confidence as people and professionals, improved their second language skills, created networking opportunities, and improved their ability to reflect on their teaching practices.

Educators who work in countries where public education lacks universal access and suffers from poor-quality education improve their advocacy and teaching skills by participating in international professional development programs in countries with higher standards and governmental commitment to public education. National and international efforts that support teacher exchange programs, aim to expose teachers to new methodologies and experiences that will consequently result in improved teaching practices once they return to their countries.

Other notable benefits of international teacher exchange program include the contributions to local teachers, their students, and community members who participate in these programs. Although most research studies have concentrated on exploring the educational and cultural benefits to international participants, the benefits experienced by local teachers, teacher educators, students, and community members are also significant.

Keywords:

Teacher Exchange programs, international education, professional development, comparative education.