Advancing Teacher Education and Curriculum Development Through Study Abroad Programs

The number of English language students in American schools has dramatically increased in recent years, creating a greater awareness of cross-cultural issues and considerations in education. Globalization as well as an increase in international exchange student programs has proven that pre-service teachers can benefit from traveling abroad and working with students from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Advancing Teacher Education and Curriculum Development through Study Abroad Programs is an authoritative reference source for the latest scholarly research on the value of travel abroad programs for pre-service educators, addressing the benefits and opportunities available when teachers gain cultural awareness and a better global understanding. Highlighting theoretical foundations, curriculum innovations, and specific challenges to overcome in the implementation of such programs, this book is an essential reference source for school administrators, university professors, curriculum developers, and researchers in higher education.

Joan A. Rhodes, Associate Professor of Reading and Early/Elementary Education has over 30 years of teaching experience at the preschool, elementary, middle school and collegiate levels. She is a graduate faculty member in the PhD in Education program where she teaches courses in professional development and instructional theory. Rhodes directed ten study abroad programs to diverse countries including New Zealand, Italy and Costa Rica. Her research focuses on digital literacy, social media and the impact of study abroad experiences.

Dr. Tammy M. Milby serves as Director of Reading at the University of Richmond in the United States of America. Dr. Milby teaches both undergraduate and graduate level literacy courses at her university. She has directed eight different study abroad experiences to locations such as Costa Rica, destinations across Europe, and to New Zealand. Her research interests include: teacher quality/exemplary teachers, literacy clinics, and the influence of studying abroad on teacher dispositions and instructional practices.