From Italy to the USA: a journey of learning, exchange and inspiration
This July, thanks to the support of the J. M. Henton Fellowship, Elisa Bonadonna embarked on an extraordinary cultural and professional exchange journey across the United States: a unique opportunity to connect education communities, share experiences, and explore new perspectives to bring back for her second year of TFI’s fellowship in September
📍 New York City | July 14–17
The journey began in New York with the warm welcome of Friends of Teach For Italy, who hosted Elisa at the offices of Tarter Krinsky & Drogin for a Café & Learn event.
This first moment of exchange allowed the firm’s community to discover Elisa’s story and her experience as a Teach For Italy Fellow, bringing to life the mission of Teach For Italy and its commitment to advancing educational equity in Italy.
The week continued through the welcoming community of Teach For America New York, with a programme dedicated to dialogue, learning and inspiration, including:
meetings with members of the Teach For America New York community;
school visits in the Bronx, observing innovative teaching practices and engaging in conversations with teachers and Corps Members;
AI-focused training sessions, classroom observations and discussions with educators and leaders working every day to expand opportunities for students;
reflections on the role of technology, artificial intelligence and human connection in shaping the future of education;
moments of networking with leaders committed to educational equity.
📍 Auburn & Montgomery | July 18–21
The journey continued in Alabama, where Elisa explored the deep connections between education, community, history and social impact.
This chapter was especially meaningful as it connected Elisa’s experience with the legacy of June M. Henton, whose vision and commitment inspired the fellowship opportunity. A former Dean and Professor Emerita of the College of Human Sciences and former Executive Director of the Hunger Solutions Institute at Auburn University, Dr. Henton dedicated her career to creating international opportunities through education and leadership.
Thanks to the extraordinary involvement of Auburn University and the Henton family, Elisa had the opportunity to:
visit the Equal Justice Initiative’s museums and memorial sites in Montgomery, reflecting on history, justice and the ongoing journey toward equality;
meet Auburn University leaders, faculty members and researchers across different fields;
exchange ideas on global education, early childhood learning, inclusion, wellbeing and community engagement;
experience the generosity, hospitality and strong sense of community of the Henton family and the Auburn community.
📍 New York City | July 22–23
The final days in New York brought Elisa back into the Teach For America ecosystem, with further opportunities for learning and exchange through summer school activities and meetings with students and educators.
This final chapter focused on:
observing and discussing approaches to inclusive education;
connecting with students and teachers;
celebrating the power of education networks that cross borders.
This journey represents much more than a professional visit: it is a bridge between communities, a space for shared learning, and a reminder that educational innovation grows when people, ideas and experiences come together.
Friends of Teach For Italy would like to express heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this exchange possible:
Brent Stackhouse, founding donor of the first J.H. Fellowship at Friends of Teach For Italy;
Giuliano Iannaccone, Alice Biagini, Andrea Pastorelli, members of the Friends of Teach For Italy Board;
the Henton family, in particular Connor Hlowry;
Teach For America leaders, educators and Corps Members who welcomed Elisa into their schools and communities, in particular Jennifer Early and Morad Helda
Auburn University faculty, staff and students who generously shared their knowledge and experiences;
Thanks to Kate Thornton, Kyes Stevens - Executive Director, Alabama Prison Arts and Education Project, Dr. Brian Gillis, the War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen, Department Head Martin O’Neil, Dr. Susan Hubbard, Dean of the College of Human Sciences, Dr. Sara Gonzalez of the Hunger Solutions Institute, Dr. Nadia Bhuyian of Psychological Services, Autism Assessment Clinic.
All the partners, hosts and individuals whose time, commitment and passion helped make this journey unforgettable.
Every meeting, every conversation and every place visited contributed to a stronger connection between Italy and the United States — united by a shared belief: education has the power to transform lives and communities.
