Bridging programmes for internationally educated teachers: a systematic review of global initiatives, challenges and opportunities, 2010–2024

‘Bridging programmes’ are targeted courses designed to help professionals with international qualifications to adapt to and be recognised in a new employment system. This article explores bridging programmes for internationally educated teachers (IETs) around the world, as reported in the research literature published between 2010 and 2024. It draws from a larger systematic review into more general policies and practices relating to IETs, which involved a comprehensive, bilingual (English/French) literature search. Here, we focus on the 11 articles which discuss bridging programmes specifically. The findings suggest that an increasing number of bridging initiatives are emerging, mostly purporting to develop language, pedagogy and classroom management skills appropriate for the new national context. However, many programmes are grassroots initiatives with specific eligibility criteria and limited opportunities for long-term, appropriate, stable employment upon completion. The paper concludes that the development of a European-wide policy framework might be a step in the right direction.