Abstract

ITP - 161. Greg, JP, and Hannah welcome Dr. Elizabeth “Liz” Hidson from the University of Sunderland for a deep dive into teacher training, certification, and professional growth in international education. Liz explains the differences between the PGCE, iQTS, QTS, and other qualification pathways, including how educators already working overseas can earn recognized British teaching credentials without returning to the UK. She also explores Sunderland’s distance-learning MA in International Education, designed specifically around the realities of working international teachers, with coursework connecting directly to their schools, careers, and future job opportunities. The conversation expands into international school mission and vision, global and “glocal” curricula, the enormous variety of international schools, and the importance of keeping academic research connected to what is actually happening in classrooms around the world. Liz also shares how Sunderland is building an international community of educators through research, conferences, the SUNRAE Journal, and its podcast, giving teachers opportunities to share classroom research rather than letting valuable work disappear after graduation. It is an especially useful episode for current international teachers, educators considering working overseas, and anyone looking to strengthen their qualifications while continuing to teach abroad.

Helpful Links from this episode:

University of Sunderland – PGCE iQTS (Distance Learning)PGCE iQTS Program The University of Sunderland

University of Sunderland – MA International Education (Distance Learning)MA International Education The University of Sunderland

University of Sunderland – PGCE Education (French Medium)French-Medium PGCE The University of Sunderland

SunRAE – Sunderland Reflective Action in Education JournalSunRAE Journal Open Access Journals

Learning to Teach in the Secondary School, 10th Edition – co-edited by Elizabeth HidsonView the book at Routledge

Chapters

(00:31) Introduction to the International Teacher Podcast

(03:05) Dr. Elizabeth Hidson's Educational Journey

(06:06) Understanding International Initial Teacher Training

(08:50) Navigating Teacher Qualifications and Certifications

(11:49) The PGCE Program Explained

(14:38) Exploring Master's Programs in Education

(17:28) Distance Learning and Global Classrooms

(20:16) Types of International Schools and Their Missions

(23:09) The Importance of International Education

(26:09) The Role of Academics in International Education

(29:05) Conclusion and Future Perspectives

(34:23) Connecting Academic Qualifications with Practical Experience

(37:03) Tailored Education for International Teachers

(39:04) Exploring Sunderland's Unique Programs

(42:16) Building a Community of Educators

(48:39) Adapting Courses to Current Educational Trends

(55:47) Essential Items for International Travel

(58:10) Humorous Travel Anecdotes

Additional Gems Related to Our Show:

Greg’s Favorite Video From Living Overseas - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQWKBwzF-hw⁠

Signup to be our guest ⁠https://calendly.com/itpexpat/itp-interview?month=2025-01⁠

Our Website⁠ - ⁠https://www.itpexpat.com/⁠

Our FaceBook Group - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/itpexpat⁠

⁠JPMint Consulting Website - ⁠https://www.jpmintconsulting.com/⁠

Hannah’s Personal IG - https://www.instagram.com/thatexpatfamily?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Greg’s Personal YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs1B3Wc0wm6DR_99OS5SyzvuzENc-bBdO⁠

Children’s Book Series (on Amazon) By Hannah Loney:

Passport Adventures: The Pearl of Kuwait (Book 1)

Books (on Amazon) By Gregory Lemoine:

Stay for the Show (2026) | Greg’s first Childrens Picture Book

⁠International Teacher Guide: Finding the "Right Fit" 2nd Edition (2025)⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.

⁠⁠"International Teaching: The Best-kept Secret in Education"⁠⁠ | by Gregory Lemoine M.Ed.

Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-get-uk-teacher-training-while-teaching-overseas/id1561461759?i=1000793000738

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8_eGrT0QJw