University Supervisors’ Perceptions of Their Personal Experiences and Professional Effectiveness in a Study Abroad Student Teaching Program in Germany

ABSTRACT In this study, we examined a student teaching study abroad program where one Midwestern university has partnered with United States Department of Defense Education Activity schools in Germany. We explored university supervisors’ perceptions and experiences in their supervisory role for this student teaching study abroad program. In this qualitative study, framed by Self-Determination Theory and the motivators of autonomy, relatedness, and competence, we identified six emergent themes related to responsibilities in serving student teachers, relationships among stakeholders, advantages as a supervisor, approaches to student teachers’ effectiveness, university support systems, and challenges and areas to improve the program. Further research is needed into the perspectives of mentor teachers involved in student teaching study abroad programs.