Read below another inspiring story of one our international teachers, Jackie, from the Philippines! She talks about her program experience, the incredible support she’s been receiving from her host school and how Greenheart Teach USA Program continues to have a remarkable impact on her personally and professionally!
My name is Jackie Presas, a Greenheart BridgeUSA J-1 teacher from Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines, and a proud staff member of West Boulevard Elementary School in the charming college town of Columbia, Missouri. I am now in my third year in the program, and I can truly say that it has been an enriching and joyful journey so far.
What I love most about being here is how warm and welcoming the people are, and how genuinely they embrace cultural exchange. This experience has opened my eyes to the reality of our interconnected global society—it has helped me see the common values that unite us as people, while also deepening my appreciation for the diverse and evolving cultures we share.
My Supportive Host School
At my host school and district, I have received tremendous support in my role as a Learning Specialist. This role is also known as the SPED Resource Teacher. I provide both pull-out and push-in services for students from kindergarten through fifth grade. I have been consistently guided and encouraged to meet the expectations of my role. That helped my students succeed academically and socially. I feel valued as an educator and as a member of a caring community. The support extends to my entire family, who came with me to the United States. On top of all of this, Greenheart’s Teach USA Program gave me the opportunity to experience unique American activities. I also got to see wonderful creations of scenic spots!
Making the Utmost of my Exchange Experience
In return, I make it a personal mission to maximize the opportunities this exchange program offers. To do so, I deliver quality instruction and engage in meaningful cross-cultural activities that promote mutual understanding and respect.
Tagalog Thursdays: A Cultural Exchange Through Language
One of my favorite projects has been “Tagalog Thursdays”. It’s a series of short videos I created and shared on my YouTube channel. August is the month when we celebrate “Buwan ng Wika” or National Language Month in the Philippines. I thought it was the best time to commemorate “Tagalog Thursdays”. Throughout the month of August, these videos were also featured in our staff email every Thursday. It invited both students and staff to learn a few words and phrases in Filipino.
Positive Response Transcending Beyond the Classroom!
The response was overwhelmingly positive. Many viewers even shared the videos with their families and friends, extending the impact well beyond the classroom. What started as a simple language activity quickly became a bridge for cultural curiosity and connection. It inspired genuine interest in the Filipino language, traditions, and values.
Different Theme Each Episode
- The first introduced basic Filipino greeting.
- The second focused on how we greet people at different times of the day.
- The third celebrated the Philippines’ love for food, featuring common expressions related to eating.
- The final episode highlighted the Filipino ways of showing respect—a value deeply woven into our culture and daily interactions.
The Ripple Effect!
As the series continued, I began noticing its positive ripple effects throughout the school. Students and staff alike were trying out Filipino words. They greeted me and their peers in Tagalog. They started conversations about other languages represented in our diverse community. It was heartwarming to see how a simple language activity could foster inclusivity, respect, and appreciation for multiculturalism.
Sparking Student’s Curiosity through Cultural Exchange
Beyond language learning, Tagalog Thursdays also inspired a broader sense of curiosity and motivation among students. Many expressed a newfound desire to explore the world. They want to understand how education can open doors to global opportunities and connections. They began to recognize the beauty of diversity within their own classrooms – an enrichment to all of us.
Final Reflections!
This experience reaffirmed my belief that cultural exchange is not just about sharing traditions—it’s about creating understanding. Through Tagalog Thursdays, I witnessed how small acts of sharing can spark big changes. People start to show more appreciation of one another.
Thank you, Jackie, for sharing your wonderful program experience with us! We wish you a wonderful rest of your Teach USA Program, and all the best in your future!
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.