Exploring the Power of Internationalization in Teacher Education

Abstract

The preparation of teachers, and to some degree, teacher educators in the majority of countries around the world, has traditionally focused on developing understandings, skills, and attitudes appropriate for teaching in local schools. Yet the importance of global competence and intercultural understanding has never been greater. As the world is increasingly faced with expanding challenges such as increased migration due to, among other things, war, famine, climate change and global inequality, there is a demand to recognize the relevance of global competency and to educate young people to be better local and global citizens. This requires teachers and teacher educators to possess a global mindset and take a more active role in fostering that mindset in their classrooms. Moreover, in an ever-changing world, we propose that while our values may evolve, there is a critical need to ensure a greater understanding of the “other” . This understanding is increasingly urgent as the interests and opinions of members of societies become more divisive, where deeply held beliefs are more polarized and polarizing (Council of Europe, 2016; UNESCO, 2021).