On Thursday, Aug. 1, Union County Public Schools (UCPS) welcomed a group of 21 international teachers to join Team UCPS. Central office staff and school staff from where the teachers will be working cheerfully greeted these educators with balloons and signs. The new teachers are pivotal in enhancing the district's bilingual education efforts. Superintendent Dr. Andrew Houlihan also personally welcomed the new teachers, adding to the festive atmosphere.
This year's arrival was made more special, thanks to a generous $4,000 grant from the Town of Indian Trail, secured by the Union County Education Foundation (UCEF). The grant allowed the district to provide the new teachers with essential basics and other necessary items, ensuring a smooth transition as they settled into their new homes and roles.
"We were excited to secure the grant and that it was open to the entire county. With the Director of College Readiness Jessica Garner and her team, an Amazon Wishlist was created and the items were shipped here. Her team assembled the baskets," said Amy Sperry, the executive director for UCEF. "Now, we want to see how we can repeat this next year in some way. We want our international teachers to feel supported and loved."
Furniture donations poured in as well.
"We've gathered a variety of items, including beds, couches, dining room tables, lamps, and more," said Garner. "All of these pieces have been generously donated."
Moved by the warm welcome she received, Lisette Inga, from Ecuador, expressed her heartfelt gratitude and enthusiasm as she prepares to join Shiloh Valley Primary.
"I'm feeling so emotional because this reception is incredible. I have wonderful expectations from UCPS," said Inga. "I am here to learn about a new culture and teach mine. I am excited to be part of the development of these precious young students within our cultural exchange."
A decade of global education
Some of the educators will be teaching in the district's Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs. Since its inception in 2012, the partnership between UCPS and Participate Learning has flourished, expanding the reach and impact of the DLI programs. These programs offer immersion in Spanish or Mandarin, reflecting the district's commitment to global education and cultural exchange. The collaboration has positively influenced many students, providing them with a rich, multicultural learning environment.
Others will be teaching English as a Second Language, World Language and kindergarten through fifth grade.
The role of ambassador teachers
Central to the success of the DLI programs was the recruitment and placement of native-speaking exchange teachers by Participate Learning. These educators, known as ambassador teachers, bring invaluable language skills and cultural perspectives to the classroom. Their presence enhances language proficiency but also broadens students' understanding of different cultures, fostering a more inclusive and globally-minded community.
Ambassador teachers can stay in the United States for up to three years, with the possibility of extending their stay for an additional two years if both the teacher and the school agree. This model allows for a sustained and meaningful exchange of knowledge and cultural experiences, benefiting students and educators alike.
Heartfelt welcomes and new beginnings
Many of the teachers expressed their joy and gratitude as they received their welcome gifts before leaving to get settled into their new homes.
Among the new arrivals was a husband and wife. Additionally, a brother, already in the UCPS program, was joined by his sister, both sharing the same profession and eager to impart their knowledge to UCPS students.
"I'm happy and so excited to be here. It was beautiful to receive the gifts and balloons. My husband, Richard, and I will be teaching at Walter Bickett Elementary," said Paula Beltran.
08/06/2024
