UF Education Students Study Inclusion in Italy
Members of the University of Findlay’s College of Education recently visited Italy for a faculty-led study abroad trip. They returned home with invaluable lessons learned, and approximately 5,000 combined cell phone photos.
The group of graduate and undergraduate students explored the country’s inclusive practices within its education system, as Carrie Wysocki, PhD, assistant professor in education, served as the trip’s faculty lead and principal investigator. While Wysocki received a grant last year to fund a trip to Italy in the summer of 2024 so that she could plan for this year, she paid for her own way to Italy this summer in order to provide this experience for students.
As a destination, Italy was chosen for its well-known inclusive education settings, shaped by strong historical, legal, and cultural frameworks. The goal of the visit was to expose the students to international models of disability support. They also aimed to gather practical insights to inform their research, along with their current and future teaching practices.
Inside Italy’s Education System
The partnership with Unicollege Florence, Florence area schools, and the Italian Ministry of Education were instrumental in providing firsthand experiences for the UF students. This allowed for the group to visit elementary, secondary and high schools, participate in classroom observations, and attend panel discussions with Italian educators, support teachers, and Ministry of Education representatives.
According to Wysocki, the experience challenged their assumptions. It helped them reimagine what true inclusion could look like in an educational setting. Especially witnessing Italy’s commitment to full classroom inclusion where students with disabilities are rarely separated.
“A particularly impactful moment was observing a primary classroom where the support teacher seamlessly collaborated with the general educator,” Wysocki noted. “It was an authentic demonstration of co-teaching for equity.”
Book-worthy Observations and a Lasting Tribute
The trip abroad left such an impression on the participants that they are collectively writing a book about it. The book focuses on the collaboration and history of disability in both the U.S. and Italy. Each student has contributed a chapter, and Wysocki is in the editing phase of this project. Their hope is that the book will eventually be published in Italy and the U.S.
Furthermore, Wysocki was honored with the Unicollege Best Faculty-led Program Teaching Award 2025. This is a prestigious recognition granted by the host university in Italy. The award celebrates her outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and dedication to fostering global engagement among students. As part of the honor, Unicollege planted a tree in her name to serve as a living tribute.
Making Memories Outside the Classroom
Over the span of the two-week trip, the UF group, which also included Wysocki’s daughter, Gabby, were able to make lasting memories outside of their educational research. Some highlights included visiting the Uffizi and Santa Maria Novella, enjoying gondola rides in Venice, and participating in a pasta-making class on a hill outside of Florence.
“The trip exceeded my expectations. I don’t think I have ever enjoyed my time and learned so much in so small of a time,” said Anna Heren, a primary education major who is in her junior year.
“From the bottom of my heart and the depths of my soul, this experience has changed me in the best possible way,” added Caitlin Kosec, a doctoral candidate in education at the University of Findlay.
Inclusion in Action: Now and in the Future
For Wysocki, this trip was one where she saw progress both professionally and personally. She stated she could not be prouder of how the students engaged with the learning opportunities while in Italy.
“Leading this experience was both humbling and energizing,” said Wysocki. “I grew alongside my students as we reflected on what it means to advocate for equity, locally and globally.”
She continued, “The group’s genuine embrace of my daughter, who has autism, was a powerful and personal example of inclusion in action. They not only welcomed her presence but modeled the very values of belonging and acceptance that we aim to foster as educators.”
Post Views: 73
Latest Newsroom
- 20th Annual Helping Hands Food Drive Kicks Off October 28 with Community-Wide EventsThe University of Findlay and its community partners will launch the 20th Annual Helping Hands Food Drive on Tuesday, October 28, bringing together students, faculty, staff, local schools, and residents in a week-long effort to combat hunger across Hancock County. […] The post 20th Annual Helping Hands Food Drive Kicks Off October 28 with Community-Wide Events appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- Fields Stepping Down, New Interim VP of Academic Affairs NamedFINDLAY, Ohio – University of Findlay Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, Darin Fields, PhD, has announced plans to step down from his position effective August 1. Fields will remain at the University, joining the English, philosophy, and religious studies […] The post Fields Stepping Down, New Interim VP of Academic Affairs Named appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- UF Computer Science Student Wins National ChampionshipA Champion Emerges Chase Otto, a University of Findlay sophomore majoring in computer science, recently earned the title and distinction of national champion. At the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) U.S. National Championship, held on June 18 in Grapevine, Texas, […] The post UF Computer Science Student Wins National Championship appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- New Director, Assistant Director Named for Mazza MuseumThe University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum is proud to announce that Dan Chudzinski will be the new director and Amanda Davidson-Johnston will be elevated to the role of assistant director, as of August 1, 2025. “The impressive credentials of Dan […] The post New Director, Assistant Director Named for Mazza Museum appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- Mazza Art Camp offered to local schoolchildren July 28 – August 1The University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum will host its annual Art Camp, formerly the Young Artist Workshop, on July 28 to August 1, for area grade school and middle students. Based on a theme of “Fantasy,” children will learn about […] The post Mazza Art Camp offered to local schoolchildren July 28 – August 1 appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.
- UF Celebrates New Pickleball Courts at Ribbon-Cutting CeremonyThe University of Findlay hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and kicked off a pickleball tournament on Friday, June 20, to celebrate the new pickleball courts on campus. The courts are located at 201 College Street, in front of the College of […] The post UF Celebrates New Pickleball Courts at Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony appeared first on Findlay Newsroom.