eTwinning has been running a European initiative involving Teacher Training Institutions (TTI) from several European countries to include eTwinning in their initial teacher training as a complementary strategy to mainstreaming eTwinning by engaging with trainee teachers.

The initiative has a growing number of examples demonstrating that introducing eTwinning into the training of student teachers brings significant value to them and their institutions. From the practical application of 21st century skills to the engagement in international, collaborative projects, the TTI initiative is a perfect example of how eTwinning can help the development of the new generation of teachers.

The contribution of eTwinning in initial teacher training provides:

·         Discovery and implementation of project teaching and multidisciplinary work;

·         Development of ICT and language skills;

·         European, international, intercultural experience;

·         Development of professional skills (project management, setting goals, planning, teamwork);

·         Reflection on professional practice: exchanges with teachers from other education systems.

From 2019, all National Support Services and Partner Support Agencies will involve Teacher Training Institutes in their countries as a way to introduce eTwinning in to initial teacher training in their countries. To support this, the student teachers will have a special role in the platform. For the starting of this initiation on 26-30 June 2019 eTwinning organized conference in Belgium. Azerbaijan will start its TTI involvements from the beginning of the new academic year in September 2019.

The TTI initiative is one of the high priority of 2019 for eTwinning, as it addresses future generations of teachers in Europe and beyond.