Date

8-9-2024

Department

School of Education

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD)

Chair

Joanna Oster

Keywords

special education, teacher shortage, teacher exchange program, human capital theory, Filipino teachers, Philippines, exchange teachers, exchange program

Disciplines

Education | Educational Administration and Supervision

Abstract

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to gain an understanding of the experiences of Filipino special education teachers in California participating in the U.S. Department of State's Teacher Exchange program. Framed by human capital theory, the study aimed to answer the question: "What do Filipino special education teachers perceive as benefits of participating in the exchange program?" Data for this research were collected from 10 purposefully selected participants through in-depth interviews, letter writing, and organizational documents. In applying the modified Van Kaam method and the Hermeneutic cycle in the analysis, three overarching themes encapsulating the participants' multifaceted experiences were revealed. The findings of this research showed that participants derive personal, professional, and socio-cultural benefits from participating in the program, which underscores the pivotal role of the exchange experience in developing their human capital. These results offer practical implications for teacher exchange program sponsors, host schools, and Filipino special education teachers who are considering participating in international exchanges. Most importantly, in gaining an understanding that international exchanges can have a transformational impact that extends beyond the teacher, this study’s findings also suggest strategies for the Philippines so that they may leverage their returning teachers’ human capital gains as this holds promise in supporting the country’s initiatives to improve the provision of services for Filipino students with disabilities.

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