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The Michael and Nancy Chicola International Professional Development Partnerships Consortium

Welcome to IPDP

The Michael and Nancy Chicola International Professional Development Partnerships (IPDP) Consortium is an innovative and strategic response to our collective need to increase global competencies.

Beginning in 1991, the SUNY Buffalo State PDP focused its efforts on local school partnerships to prepare and support educators in WNY. In the past decade+, these local classrooms experienced significant cultural and linguistic changes that reflect national demographic changes. To more effectively prepare new teachers for this changing educational context, faculty used existing PDP structures to develop partnerships with international contacts.

IPDP, originally known as IPDS (International Professional Development Schools) began in 2012 with two short-term, faculty-led study away programs. It now includes partnerships with PK-12 schools and community organizations across five continents, including programs for teacher candidates, student teachers, experienced educators, pre-service and in-service professionals working with children and youth, as well as virtual connections.

Buffalo State is the recipient of the NAFSA: Association of International Educators 2019 Senator Paul Simon Spotlight Award for Campus Internationalization, recognizing IPDP's success in developing globally competent educators.

The Experience

Each partnership is unique, but the overall purpose of IPDP remains the same – to provide distinctive opportunities for individuals working with children and youth to globalize their understanding and experience of education, including the education of language learners, through international study and travel.

IPDP participants are placed in an international school or center where they engage in immersive teaching and learning initiatives, build personal and professional relationships with colleagues from different backgrounds, and develop the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary for effective, globally-minded practice. Participants: 

  • Study about - and travel to - an international destination
  • Globalize your understanding and experience of education
  • Learn about the education of language learners
  • Interact with members of a partner university or organization
  • Work side-by-side with teachers and schools
  • Participate in service learning projects
  • Conduct comparative research projects
  • Reflect through an online blog to document their learning

Explore Our Programs

Short-Term, Faculty-Led

Chile | Costa Rica | Dominican Republic | Germany | Italy | Kenya | Rwanda | Zambia

IPDP short-term, faculty-led programs are designed for undergraduates and graduate students who are interested in working with children or youth in an educational or supporting capacity. Participants are placed in international schools or community centers where they engage in immersive teaching and learning initiatives, build personal and professional relationships with colleagues from different backgrounds, and develop the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary for effective, globally-minded practice. All programs include a 3-credit course and 2-3 weeks of travel between semesters.

 

International Student Teaching

Brazil | Colombia | Germany | Italy

IPDP International Student Teaching experiences are for eligible Buffalo State teacher candidates who wish to complete part of their student teaching placements abroad. Participants gain a rich and varied perspective that informs their teaching and professional path. Each experience includes an initial student teaching placement in Western New York followed by a final student teaching placement with our international partners for approximately 8 weeks during the fall or spring semester.

 

Experienced Educator Exchange

Colombia | Spain

Experienced Educator Exchanges (EEE) are unique opportunities for local educators - including teachers and school/district administrators - to broaden their experience, comfort and understanding of education throughout the world. Participants grow their global perspective by observing and volunteering in schools for 8-10 days during the Buffalo Public Schools February break.

 

Teaching Abroad

Navigating the myriad of options, timelines, resources, and paths to becoming an international teacher can be confusing and scary. IPDP faculty provide support and guidance to students, alumni, and community members who are inspired to teach abroad and want to learn what works best from those who have gone through, and those who administer, the process. Email Brandon Kawa or Tamara Horstman for more information!

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