Student teaching abroad shapes future educators
Kinsey Hayes graduated from Logan County High School in Russellville, Ky., with a heart set on making a difference. As a student at the University of Kentucky College of Education, she has found the support and opportunities needed to pursue her passion for teaching.
Now in her final semester, Hayes is completing her student teaching at two schools – in Lexington at Yates Elementary and in Valencia, Spain at the American School of Valencia.
“My experience in Spain has grown me personally and professionally. Navigating daily life in another country has pushed me outside of my comfort zone,” Hayes said. “But I’ve learned I can adapt, I can thrive, and I can enjoy the experience. Growing in this way has helped me appreciate what we have in Kentucky and has given me new perspectives I’ll bring into my future classroom. I know these experiences will make me a stronger teacher for my students.”
Haye’s placement in Spain – where she is teaching second grade – coincides with the UK College of Education’s 10th anniversary of its overseas student teaching collaboration with the American School of Valencia, marking a decade of global learning and professional growth for future educators.
Since the partnership began in 2015, nearly 50 undergraduate and graduate students have completed part of their student teaching experience in Valencia, Spain — contributing to hundreds of placements in countries around the world since the College of Education began making overseas placements in 1973. Students who chose this option complete half of the experience at a Kentucky school and the other half overseas. The program allows students to experience daily life in another part of the world while gaining invaluable classroom experience in an international school setting.
“Our collaboration with the American School of Valencia has given teacher candidates the opportunity to see education through a global lens,” said Nate Hibbitts, UK College of Education Director of Field Experiences. “It’s not just about learning how to teach, it’s about developing adaptability and confidence to carry into their future classrooms.”
The overseas student teaching program provides students with the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
“For decades, our overseas student teaching program has provided meaningful global learning opportunities for future educators. With the support of international partners, students gain hands-on experience and return with greater adaptability, global awareness, and the skills needed to serve all learners,” said Ellie Holliday, Ph.D., Director of Undergraduate Global Learning Initiatives.
UK is an active member of the national Consortium for Overseas Student Teaching (COST), which places teacher candidates in schools across the globe to fulfill their student teaching requirements. In addition to placements through COST, UK students can participate in UK-TEACH Direct programs in Valencia, Spain; Stockholm, Sweden; and Frankfurt, Germany.
After returning from Spain, Hayes will graduate from UK and plans to begin her teaching career in Kentucky this spring.
“Getting to teach in both Lexington and Valencia has changed the way I see the world and the way I see myself as a future educator,” Hayes said. “I’m coming back to Kentucky with new ideas for my classroom and a renewed excitement for the impact I want to make as a teacher.”
For more information about overseas student teaching opportunities, contact Ellie Holliday, Ph.D. at eholliday@uky.edu.