Teachers College Expands International Reach Through Erasmus+-Supported EUniWell Alliance

Global Collaboration: TC and EUniWell Unite to Address Society, Science, and Environmental Challenges

Teachers College has partnered with European universities through the EUniWell alliance to address the "economy of well-being," connecting society, science, and the environment. Formed in late 2023 and supported by the European Commission’s Erasmus+ program, this collaboration extends the College's efforts to improve human life. It creates opportunities for research, mobility, and development with global institutions. Amine Mechaal, Director of Global Engagement, expressed excitement about the transformative EUniWell partnership, emphasizing its focus on enhancing well-being through education. Teachers College has hosted EUniWell scholars three times and sent two students to Belgium for a summer school on "Peace, Justice, and Well-Being." Looking ahead, TC and EUniWell plan a joint Well-Being Summit in the spring and a 2026 conference.

EUniWell’s Chief Development Officer, Beatrix Busse, highlighted Teachers College's strong civic engagement as an ideal partner for advancing interdisciplinary education and promoting well-being. Dr. Tobias Endler, overseeing the Alliance’s transatlantic division, emphasized the importance of transatlantic cooperation in addressing common challenges democratic societies face and praised TC’s commitment to education as crucial for sustaining engaged citizens.

Portia Williams, Vice Provost for Academic Planning and Global Affairs, emphasized that TC's collaboration with EUniWell is part of a broader global scholarship effort, fostering cultural exchange to address critical global issues. TC Research Professor Aurelie Athan highlighted faculty involvement across education, psychology, and health, noting that faculty are connecting with global scholars to create synergies and expand expertise. Athan explained that the coalition’s interdisciplinary efforts focus on addressing urgent global issues. As an expert on reproductive identity, she is bringing TC’s Sex Education Initiative, which empowers educators to teach reproductive health, to the global stage. Through her work with EUniWell, she is collaborating with scholars worldwide to improve access to effective sexual and reproductive health education.

Athan emphasized the importance of sexual and reproductive health, stating, “There is no health without sexual and reproductive health.” She also pointed out that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the United Nations' first international conference on population development and stressed that the U.N. must have a new vision for the next 30 years. She emphasized that to fully realize young people's potential, their reproductive well-being and future must be a central consideration.  As part of the EUniWell collaboration, engagement in solutions-driven dialogues with like-minded scholars has begun. Although still in the early stages, this partnership presents an opportunity to amplify the impact of TC’s work on sexual and reproductive health education. The evolving era of family-building decisions was noted, with excitement about how TC is nurturing innovative ideas to align with projects like EUniWell to achieve shared goals.

Nicole Brittingham Furlonge, Professor of Practice and Executive Director of the Klingenstein Center for Independent and International School Leadership, is also involved in TC's collaboration with EUniWell. The Klingenstein Center, established in 1977, has focused on advancing transformative learning in private and international schools. Furlonge views the EUniWell partnership as an important opportunity for academic exchange within the global education ecosystem, which she aims to integrate into the Klingenstein Center’s teacher preparation programs, leadership, and practices.

Furlonge highlighted the research goal of developing a clearer understanding of well-being in schools, noting that the definition of well-being is still evolving. She emphasized the importance of teacher well-being, pointing out its influence on creating positive environments for students. Furlonge expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stressing the need for both action and visionary solutions in this area.

As the EUniWell Alliance expands, leaders are focused on strengthening international collaborations to impact well-being. Dr Tobias Endler emphasized that universities should foster critical debates, while Beatrix Busse highlighted the importance of global cooperation and establishing diplomatic well-being channels through the exchange. Both expressed gratitude for collaborating with their American counterparts. The partnership between Teachers College and EUniWell marks a significant step toward addressing global challenges related to well-being, education, and health.

Editor's Note:

In today’s world, where global collaboration is crucial, Teachers College has made a significant move by joining the EUniWell alliance with European universities. This partnership, centred around the "economy of well-being," connects society, science, and the environment to improve global well-being. It opens doors for research, mobility, and development with leading institutions worldwide. Educators are addressing crucial issues such as sexual and reproductive health education and well-being in schools. The College’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and cultural exchange underscores its dedication to solving critical global challenges through education.

Skoobuzz commends this impactful partnership for exemplifying the power of international cooperation in fostering meaningful, interdisciplinary solutions for the future.