Greenheart’s School Relations Coordinator, Emily Cermak, interviewed Dr. Crystal Henderson, a principal at Gibson Elementary in Riverview Gardens School District in St. Louis, MO. Gibson Elementary is hosting six Greenheart international teachers and they have experienced growth with both the teachers and the students. Here are excerpts from that interview:
Tell me about the Teachers’ Arrival
The teachers came in at a really hectic time, but they immediately took to the job. They really hit the ground running. They were open-minded and always looking to improve their teaching skills.
What welcoming activities did your exchange teachers attend?
Our school has welcomed the teachers into the fold and made sure that they are included in work-bonding activities. They took part in social get-gatherings and even had a session of karaoke.
Are there Training Opportunities for International Teachers?
Last summer, they went to two different conferences where they learned about classroom management and different teaching strategies. I was really impressed with how apt they were to the content and how excited they were to learn and implement new strategies.
How have the International Teachers benefitted your school?
Our kindergarten team is all Greenheart teachers, and they have had amazing success with the students improving their reading skills. This has put them 2nd in the district for their scores which is a huge improvement and achievement for the school.
What is your favorite part of hosting international teachers with Greenheart?
I love that I can bring cultural exchange to our students. The students learn about a different culture that they aren’t typically getting, and this opens their eyes to the world. This is a great way to expose them to new languages, foods, and history. It is very important to me that our students are able to have these special experiences every day in their classroom.
What would you like to say to other schools about the Teach USA Program?
I definitely recommend this program to other schools. It’s very important to welcome the international teachers into their community because the transition can be difficult, and they can adjust more easily with extra support when they first arrive.
What have you observed about your exchange teachers?
I love to see how much the teachers love to be here and how much they involve themselves with American culture and even local culture, like going to St Louis Mardi Gras with their families. Most importantly, our teachers are not just employees, but they are FAMILY. This is important to me as a principal, to make sure that their school community is a welcoming environment.
Thank you so much, Dr. Henderson, for sharing your positive and inspiring Teach USA Program experience with Greenheart! We wish your school and all the teachers a great rest of the academic year.
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.
Did you know? 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. Details at GreenheartSchools.org.