Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Disciplines

Education | Teacher Education and Professional Development

Abstract

Exposing future teachers to challenges associated with global diversity (cultural, ethnic, religious and economic) is of major importance in the 21st century. This is a study of the first year of an international student teaching placement for American students. The paper presents the reflections and learnings of the program director of this first year program and highlights some of the challenges of such a program. The paper emphasizes the need to reflect on desired outcomes and carefully study the benefits for all involved, the English schools and teachers and faculty, along with the American students. The director reflects that she was not aware of the complexities of asking our students to learn a new curriculum without allowing them time to absorb the specific English standards and how complex a matter it is to reconcile the requirements of an American program with the English school system. The view from both sides of the Atlantic is essential to more thoughtfully coordinate the educational goals of this new Curry/Cambridge venture.

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