From Challenges to Transformation: The Professional Development Journey of Transnational Language Teachers in the United States

In the context of global educational exchange, this study explores the experiences of Chinese teachers temporarily teaching Mandarin Chinese in United States K-12 schools. Using case-study methodology, this research examines the professional challenges and learning experiences of these transnationa...

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Main Authors: Yu Wu, Huan Gao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: University of Windsor 2025-05-01
Series:Journal of Teaching and Learning
Subjects:
Online Access:https://jtl.uwindsor.ca/index.php/jtl/article/view/8977
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author Yu Wu
Huan Gao
author_facet Yu Wu
Huan Gao
author_sort Yu Wu
collection DOAJ
description In the context of global educational exchange, this study explores the experiences of Chinese teachers temporarily teaching Mandarin Chinese in United States K-12 schools. Using case-study methodology, this research examines the professional challenges and learning experiences of these transnational Chinese language teachers. Findings reveal that teachers’ career difficulties arise from the use of teaching strategies that do not align well with the environments of the host schools and from insufficient cultural sensitivity. Moreover, inadequate pre-service training and limited professional development opportunities exacerbate these challenges, prompting self-directed transformative learning efforts. The findings also emphasize how tailored training combined with teachers' transformative learning initiatives can effectively address and mitigate the difficulties faced in transnational teaching environments. This study provides valuable insights into the preparation for transnational educators navigating cross-cultural teaching landscapes, thereby contributing to the discourse on international teacher-exchange programs.    
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spelling doaj-art-e3141bbaf1374387a33674706973b7e32025-08-20T02:16:05ZengUniversity of WindsorJournal of Teaching and Learning1911-82792025-05-0119210.22329/jtl.v19i2.8977From Challenges to Transformation: The Professional Development Journey of Transnational Language Teachers in the United StatesYu Wu0https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9007-8836Huan Gao1https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2311-4556University of MemphisUniversity of Memphis In the context of global educational exchange, this study explores the experiences of Chinese teachers temporarily teaching Mandarin Chinese in United States K-12 schools. Using case-study methodology, this research examines the professional challenges and learning experiences of these transnational Chinese language teachers. Findings reveal that teachers’ career difficulties arise from the use of teaching strategies that do not align well with the environments of the host schools and from insufficient cultural sensitivity. Moreover, inadequate pre-service training and limited professional development opportunities exacerbate these challenges, prompting self-directed transformative learning efforts. The findings also emphasize how tailored training combined with teachers' transformative learning initiatives can effectively address and mitigate the difficulties faced in transnational teaching environments. This study provides valuable insights into the preparation for transnational educators navigating cross-cultural teaching landscapes, thereby contributing to the discourse on international teacher-exchange programs.     https://jtl.uwindsor.ca/index.php/jtl/article/view/8977Professional DevelopmentTransnational Language TeachingUnited States
spellingShingle Yu Wu
Huan Gao
From Challenges to Transformation: The Professional Development Journey of Transnational Language Teachers in the United States
Journal of Teaching and Learning
Professional Development
Transnational Language Teaching
United States
title From Challenges to Transformation: The Professional Development Journey of Transnational Language Teachers in the United States
title_full From Challenges to Transformation: The Professional Development Journey of Transnational Language Teachers in the United States
title_fullStr From Challenges to Transformation: The Professional Development Journey of Transnational Language Teachers in the United States
title_full_unstemmed From Challenges to Transformation: The Professional Development Journey of Transnational Language Teachers in the United States
title_short From Challenges to Transformation: The Professional Development Journey of Transnational Language Teachers in the United States
title_sort from challenges to transformation the professional development journey of transnational language teachers in the united states
topic Professional Development
Transnational Language Teaching
United States
url https://jtl.uwindsor.ca/index.php/jtl/article/view/8977
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AT huangao fromchallengestotransformationtheprofessionaldevelopmentjourneyoftransnationallanguageteachersintheunitedstates