International and U.S. teachers working together in U.S. classrooms: a case study

Abstract The Fulbright program offers a 6-week Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) professional development program for international secondary teachers (fellows). Through a structured classroom field experience in a U.S. secondary school, fellows plan and co-teach classes with their U.S. partner teachers. Using guided reflections and focus group interviews, 16 fellows explored their understanding and perceptions of the field experience portion of their Fulbright TEA program. The findings indicate that the TEA Fellows both observed and broadened their cultural teaching strategies and perspectives. The study indicates the potential richness of the field experience for international Fulbright Fellows while also increasing the exposure of U.S. teachers and students to diverse and culturally relevant teaching and learning strategies necessary in U.S. classrooms and schools.