In this blog post, our Teach USA teacher, Josephil Saraspe, from the Philippines, tells us about the great impact of Greenheart’s Teach USA Program on him, professionally and personally.
My name is Josephil Saraspe, and I am a mathematics teacher from the Philippines currently teaching at Lodestar Upper School in Oakland, California. In addition to teaching, I serve as a Math Teacher Mentor for the Teacher Residency Program in partnership with Alder Graduate School of Education, where I coach aspiring mathematics educators through classroom observations, lesson modeling, and reflective practice. This coming school year, I will also serve as Teacher Lead for Data and Assessment, supporting teachers in strengthening data literacy, assessment design, and student progress monitoring.
Noteworthy Reflections
As I enter my final year in the BridgeUSA J-1 Teach USA Program with Greenheart, I find myself reflecting on a journey that has transformed both my professional practice and my personal life. What began as an opportunity to teach abroad became an experience that reshaped my understanding of education, leadership, and cultural exchange.
Over the past four years, teaching in one of Oakland’s diverse communities has challenged me to become a more culturally responsive educator. Working with multilingual learners and students from a wide range of backgrounds taught me that meaningful learning begins with inclusion, empathy, and high expectations for every student. I also discovered the power of connecting mathematics to authentic, real-world issues, enabling students to see math as a tool for understanding and improving their communities.
Greenheart’s J-1 Teach USA Program Facilitates Collaboration that Goes Beyond the Classroom
These experiences opened doors beyond my classroom. I collaborated with educators across the country, facilitated district-wide professional development, and helped design a mathematics curriculum centered on real-world data analysis that is now being considered for adoption by other schools and districts. Seeing classroom innovation create a broader educational impact has been one of the most rewarding moments of my career.
Forming Lasting Friendships with People from Different Cultures
The exchange program also strengthened me personally. Living in a new country pushed me beyond my comfort zone, building my confidence, adaptability, and independence. More importantly, it allowed me to form lasting friendships with people from different cultures and develop a deeper appreciation for inclusion, service, and global citizenship. These relationships reminded me that cultural exchange is not simply about traveling but also about listening, learning, and growing together.
The Greatest Lessons my Host School Taught Me
One of the greatest lessons my host school taught me is that effective teaching extends far beyond delivering academic content. It requires understanding students’ identities, honoring their lived experiences, and creating classrooms where every learner feels valued and capable of success. Inspired by my colleagues and students, I began designing mathematics lessons that encouraged students to investigate community issues through data analysis, empowering them to see themselves as problem solvers who can make meaningful contributions to society.
This philosophy continues to guide my work as both a teacher and an instructional leader. Whether mentoring new educators, supporting colleagues with assessment practices, or teaching mathematics, I strive to create learning experiences that are equitable, relevant, and student-centered.
Greenheart’s mission resonated deeply with me because it reflects values I have always believed in – fostering cultural understanding, encouraging community engagement, and developing globally minded leaders. As a Filipino educator, I was excited not only to learn from American schools but also to share my own culture and experiences with students, colleagues, and the broader community.
Greenheart’s Teach USA Program shaped the educator, leader, and person I am today!
Looking back, the Greenheart’s Teach USA Program has done far more than advance my career. It has shaped the educator, leader, and person I am today. It reaffirmed my belief that education has the power to bridge cultures, challenge perspectives, and create opportunities for positive change. As I prepare for the next chapter of my journey, I carry these lessons with gratitude and remain committed to using education and cultural exchange to make a lasting impact wherever I serve.
Thank you, Josephil, for sharing your inspiring story and accomplishments with us!
Is your school ready to host highly qualified international educators to contribute to the learning experience of your students and communities? Visit HostGreenheartTeachers.org to apply to host today.
If your school participates in one or more of Greenheart’s cultural exchange programs, your school will be eligible for up to $4,000 in grants as a Greenheart School. Learn more by visiting GreenheartSchools.org.