Blog

Two international Spanish teachers from Charlotte East Language Academy joined forces to share their cultures and learn from others at the Festival of Nations, a multicultural event hosted by Steele Creek Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.

When a school in Dunn, North Carolina, celebrated a building expansion this past winter, the ceremony included a joyful performance of the school’s song. The chorus, performance, and melody were all possible because of Herbert McLean, a music teacher originally from Jamaica. McLean started teaching at Dunn last fall as a program member with Educational Partners International (EPI), and he has already had a tremendous impact on the school.

Educational Partners International (EPI) hosts weekly virtual meetings with teachers in its program, leading them in sessions that provide resources for addressing today’s teaching challenges. Known as the EPI Connect series, the meetups allow teachers to join colleagues and participate in activities that aid their professional development. Attendees also receive tools that support their teaching.

When international teachers step into classrooms in the USA, their backgrounds enrich their lessons in surprising ways. At Denison Middle School in Winter Haven, Florida, science teacher Ulpiano De La Bajan Jr. struck upon a clever idea for sharing his culture and enriching his curriculum. A program member with Educational Partners International (EPI), Bajan hails from the Philippines, and he found inspiration in the lakes of Florida and those back home.

Educational Partners International has been hosting social events for program members in Florida. The get-togethers provide a chance for teachers to meet with one another as well as with EPI staff. Casual and fun, the events encourage educators to share a laugh and a meal, compare experiences, and discuss living and teaching in the USA. They represent just one more way that EPI supports program members after their arrival.