The Rector of Tbilisi State University, Jaba Samushia has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Arizona State University and partner Georgian universities under USAID’s Educating the Future program. The Memorandum aims to promote teacher training and develop educational science programs in universities.

TSU, Akaki Tsereteli State University, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University and St. Andrew the First Georgian University of the Patriarchate of Georgia have signed the memorandum with the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College of Arizona State University, for long-term cooperation within the framework of the university support component.

According to Rector Jaba Samushia, the project is significant for its innovations in education, including teacher training and policy development.

The Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia, Nodar Papukashvili emphasized the significance of enhancing collaboration with American universities to promote the internationalization of education. He expressed gratitude to the U.S. government for supporting the development of the education sector and noted that Georgia will continue to implement joint educational projects with its strategic partner, the United States, even more actively in the future.

The U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Georgia, Robin L. Dunnigan stated that the new partnership between the United States and Georgia aims to provide education to young people. She also noted that the program will assist teachers and students in strengthening teaching methods. Ambassador Dunnigan added that the U.S. government continues to support Georgia’s education system because they believe that education is crucial for development, including Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic course.

According to the memorandum, the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College of Arizona State University will provide expert support to the academic staff of partner universities for the next four years, based on the best international practices. This will include developing new training courses, strengthening the school practice component, improving the teaching and research skills of academic staff, and increasing access to modern literature. In addition, the involvement of university academic staff and students in local and international partnerships will be ensured.

In partnership with the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia, USAID’s Educating the Future program aims to improve the quality and inclusiveness of future teacher training programs, develop and strengthen the capacities of school administrators as educational leaders at various levels of school management, and enhance school autonomy within the Georgian education system.