SUNY Plattsburgh Fulbright Recipient to Teach Norwegian Students U.S. Media’s Take on Inclusion
A member of the SUNY Plattsburgh teacher education faculty will be spending the coming
academic year on a Fulbright grant to work with Norwegian high school students as
they look at how disability is represented in U.S. media and what needs to be done
to bring about change.
Dr. Michelle Bonati, co-chair and associate professor of education in the School of Education, Health and Human Services, was one of only three educators chosen for the Fulbright Roving Scholar Program, which brings American educators to Norway to teach and lead seminars for both students and teachers across the Scandinavian country.
According to the U.S.-Norway Fulbright Foundation, “Roving Scholars are expected to be broadly knowledgeable in a variety of fields; their lessons focus on American history and culture, often combined with innovative and inspiring ideas on pedagogy and teaching methods.
“The Roving Scholar Program is a unique Norwegian Fulbright opportunity that does not exist in other country,” the foundation said. Bonati’s award includes funding for travel, living expenses and educational programming materials.
“My project focuses on disability, media representation, inclusive education and youth civic engagement in the United States,” Bonati said. “Through interactive workshops, Norwegian students will practice English while exploring how disability is represented in American media and how service-learning can empower young people to create social change in their communities.”
Bonati said her students will participate in “collaborative discussions, media analysis, and student-centered activities designed to encourage critical thinking about inclusion, identity and civic participation.”
In addition to the student workshops, Bonati will provide professional development for teachers and teacher educators focused on inclusive teaching practices used in American schools, including inclusive service-learning and community-based learning approaches, she said.
Dr. Denise Simard, dean, School of Education, Health and Human Services, called out Bonati for her being named a Fulbright Roving Scholar.
"The Fulbright Roving Scholar is a prestigious award. Dr. Bonati's selection by the U.S.-Norway Fulbright Foundation is a tremendous personal accomplishment and a point of extreme pride for the School of Education, Health and Human Services at SUNY Plattsburgh," Simard said. "Awards of this stature are reserved for extraordinary educators with exceptional expertise. In many ways, Dr. Bonati will serve as an ambassador across international cultures, which is a testament to her commitment and leadership regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion.
"I am excited for her, and also our students, faculty, staff, and community who will also benefit from Michelle's time in Norway as she returns to share her experiences and new knowledge," she said.
Even though she’s never been to Norway, doesn’t speak the language, and has no personal connection to the country, Bonati said she was drawn to the program and country because of its “international reputation for equity, democratic participation and inclusive education.”
Interest has Deepened
With teaching and research experiences in the United States, Australia, and Indonesia, she said her interest in how different societies approach disability, inclusion and educational access has only deepened.
“Norway represents a particularly compelling context because it has long been recognized as a leader in inclusive education while also continuing important national conversations about how inclusion is implemented in practice,” Bonati said. “It’s an opportunity for reciprocal learning rather than simply sharing American perspectives abroad.”
She said she hopes the experience will foster cross-cultural dialogue about disability and inclusion provide Norwegian students with opportunities to examine U.S. culture through multiple perspectives and strengthen international collaboration among educators committed to equitable and inclusive schools.
“I hope to bring lessons learned in Norway back to SUNY Plattsburgh to further enrich teacher preparation and inclusive education practices in the United States,” Bonati said.
— Story, Photo by Associate Director of Communications Gerianne Downs
