Operated in partnership with the Alberta Teachers’ Association, this once-in-a-lifetime professional development opportunity offers members the chance to exchange classrooms, experiences and cultures.
Last December, IEU teacher member Karen Bartley Beal completed the second leg of her exchange in snowy Edmonton, after hosting her exchange partner Stephanie on the Gold Coast in September.
“The trip was amazing!” Karen said.
“I have visited parts of Canada before as a tourist; however, being immersed in the lifestyle was a great way to experience it,” she said.
Immersive experiences
During her stay, Karen shadowed at a French immersion school and over the two weeks participated in many professional experiences including shadowing Stephanie’s Year 3 class, observing lessons with STEM consultants and visiting other schools in the district.
Karen also hosted Q&A sessions and delivered presentations on Australia to other classes.
Outside the classroom, Karen also attended an ice hockey game, visited Christmas markets and hiked in the Canadian Rockies.
Professional value
Karen said the most rewarding aspects were the connections she made and the reassurance and confidence she gained from seeing her teaching ability on par with that of colleagues around the world.
“Observations are a powerful learning tool for teachers, allowing them to see other ways in which to interpret and deliver curriculum, as well as view alternate strategies for classroom management,” she said.
“It was funny though to realise that classrooms and teaching across the world are very similar, so even a challenge such as being in a French Immersion school, when I do not know much French, was really no issue at all.
“I now feel more prepared to consider further qualifications or possibly working toward a lead teacher role,” Karen said.
Apply now
Karen said the program’s structure and short timeframe offer a great way for teachers to observe what it is like to teach overseas without the complexities of longer-term exchanges.
“The application process was very simple and inexpensive,” she said.
“I’ve made a wonderful friend in Stephanie, as well as many other connections, and hope we will continue that contact long into the future.
“This is the kind of experience every teacher should be seeking if they can do so.
“The combination of professional development, cultural immersion, global perspective and networking is an incredibly valuable tool for any teacher seeking to broaden their teaching skillset,” Karen said.
With no visa or teaching authority requirements for short-term job shadowing in Alberta, this unique professional development opportunity has never been easier to access.
An applicant must have five years of teaching experience and a $50 application fee is associated with the exchange.
Click here for a full list of terms and conditions or contact te*************@********rg.au for more information.
