The Professional Lives of Canadian Teachers Overseas
The ROUTE Project: Researching the Professional Lives of Canadian Teachers Overseas
The ROUTE Project, which stands for Research on Understanding Transnational Educators, is a breakthrough study that examines the professional lives of teachers who work in Canadian provincially affiliated schools overseas. Teachers who cross borders face a different set of challenges than if they chose to remain in their country. Adaptation to culture, curriculum, and context is often characterized as being a significant part of these challenges.
Dr. Robert Mizzi (EAF&P)
This project is led by Dr. Robert Mizzi, an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba, who has completed extensive research on educators who cross borders and the impact on their welfare and well-being. Mizzi has been a consultant in this area for a number of organizations and intergovernmental agencies. Stemming back from his own experience as an educator with work experience in over 20 countries, Mizzi sees this project as being useful at ensuring educators are adequately prepared for their work overseas.
The ROUTE Project consists of a 30-minute survey to anonymous teachers who currently work in Canadian schools overseas. The questionnaire will ask questions that deal with current employment situations, issues in cultural adaptation, teaching practices, and work relationships. The project team will also interview school administrators in order to understand administrative decisions that shape the professional lives of teachers who cross borders.
This project will inform:
- Teachers on how to prepare for work in Canadian schools overseas.
- School administrators about the unique needs incoming teachers may possess.
- Faculties of Education and teacher associations that seek practical information for their teacher candidates and teachers who aspire for global careers.
For more information on or to participate in the ROUTE Project, please contact Dr. Robert Mizzi at robert [dot] mizzi [at] umanitoba [dot] ca.
The ROUTE Project is financially supported by the University Grant Research Program at the University of Manitoba.