Global experience shapes Meadows’ approach to teaching

Global experience shapes Meadows' approach to teaching

Kim Chaudoin | 08/04/2026

For two months this spring, Allison Meadows's third-grade classroom stretched far beyond the borders of one country.

Her students at the International School of Trieste in northeastern Italy spoke English, Italian, Slovenian, Russian, French, Croatian and Serbian. Meadows taught English language arts, math, science and art in English, gaining firsthand experience in how culture and language shape the ways children learn.

The international student-teaching experience broadened the perspective she will bring to her own classroom this fall.

Meadows, who completed her Bachelor of Science degree in interdisciplinary teaching K-5/dual special education in August, will begin her teaching career at Crieve Hall Elementary School in Nashville this month. She previously completed a student-teaching placement at the school and accepted a position there before leaving for Italy.

"I was blessed to accept a job offer from them before I left for Italy," said Meadows. "I am so excited to return and begin teaching there."

Learning in a global classroom

Meadows completed her international placement through Interaction International's STAGE program, which partners with Lipscomb to place student teachers in international schools around the world. She applied to the program during her junior year after an earlier Lipscomb Global Learning semester-long experience in Florence, Italy, sparked her interest in returning abroad.

"I absolutely loved my time studying in Florence, which led me to pursue international student teaching," she said.

That earlier experience also prepared Meadows for the independence required to live in Italy and navigate Europe on her own.

"My time studying abroad with Lipscomb taught me how to live and travel independently in Italy, which is why I felt confident going on a solo trip to Europe for two months," she said.

While on assignment in Italy, Meadows taught at the International School of Trieste, which serves students from a variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds during the week. On weekends, she explored Italian cities and traveled to neighboring countries, including Austria, Croatia, France and Slovenia.

It was inside the classroom, however, where Meadows said she encountered some of the most meaningful lessons of her experience.

"During my time at the school, I met students and teachers from all over the world and experienced a very different school environment," said Meadows. "It widened my perspective of culturally inclusive education and language barriers in the classroom."

Teaching students who were bilingual or multilingual challenged Meadows to think carefully about communication, instruction and how educators can create classrooms in which every student feels understood and supported.

Those lessons will continue to influence her approach as she begins teaching in Nashville.

A calling shaped by compassion

Although Meadows considers Mount Juliet, Tennessee, home, she grew up in several parts of the country, including Arizona, Missouri and New Jersey. Because her family moved frequently, she hoped to attend college near home and began exploring universities in the Nashville area.

She was drawn to Lipscomb by its Christ-centered mission and nationally recognized educator preparation program, but it was the sense of belonging she experienced during her campus visit that ultimately shaped her decision.

"I had toured several colleges, but I felt God was leading me to Lipscomb," she said. "During my tour, I felt so welcomed and at home. Choosing Lipscomb was the best decision I have ever made."

Meadows knew from a young age that she wanted to teach, although she did not initially understand what was behind that calling.

Her family served as a foster family while she was growing up, an experience that exposed her to the challenges many children face and showed her the difference consistent, compassionate relationships can make.

"I was able to see the significant impact that daily loving and compassionate relationships have on children with adverse childhood experiences," said Meadows. "I realized that, as an educator, I could be an advocate for students who do not have the daily support they need."

That realization continues to motivate her work.

"Through education, I have the opportunity to provide constant, compassionate support in my classroom," she said. "This is what motivates me to pursue education every single day."

Prepared to teach and to serve

At Lipscomb, Meadows found mentors who helped her develop both professionally and personally. She credits College of Education faculty members Kristin Baese, Emily Medlock and Sarah Duncan with providing encouragement and guidance throughout the successes and challenges of preparing to become a teacher.

"My education professors are absolutely wonderful," said Meadows. "They are so dedicated to our success and preparation as future educators and were a great support system during student teaching."

She also found support through Lipscomb's Global Learning program. Director Kate Minchew helped Meadows navigate her semester in Florence and later encouraged her as she prepared for international student teaching.

For Meadows, Lipscomb also offered her first opportunity to attend a Christian school. Bible courses, chapel, local churches and Bible studies with friends helped her understand how faith could shape every aspect of her life and work.

"My education and music classes were also taught from a Christian perspective, which allowed me to experience what it looks like to incorporate my faith into every moment of my day," she said. "Because of this, my faith in the Lord is visibly stronger than when I first came to Lipscomb."

Beyond the classroom, Meadows participated in the wind ensemble, orchestra and flute ensemble throughout her four years at Lipscomb. She also served as a College of Education student ambassador and spoke on panels for Lipscomb Friday and the Global Learning program.

"I made so many lifelong friends who encourage me to pursue the Lord every day," she said. "I have the best memories from living in the residence halls and attending campus events. I am so thankful for my four years at Lipscomb."