Diverse Learning With International Teachers

Gainesville ISD, along with school districts throughout the US, has experienced teacher shortages, which have been amplified in recent years. For this reason, and in an effort to diversify the teacher pool, GISD has expanded recruitment efforts to international countries through the Texas Education Agency (TEA) visiting international teacher (VIT) program.

To be eligible for VIT, individuals must hold a valid teaching credential in another country and the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree or higher in the US. The teacher must also demonstrate oral English language proficiency and subject matter competence in the subject area they will be teaching.

In 2022-2023, GISD employs seven teachers through the Global Educational Concepts (GEC) Teach USA program, an approved J-1 Visa Exchange Program Sponsor. At GHS, Brahian Arciniegas teaches Spanish 2, Ashalene Francisco teaches Algebra II & Pre-Cal, and Jair Villar teaches Spanish 3 & 4. At Chalmers, Gabriela Guzman and Gleydis Herrera teach second grade, and Cielo Roa teaches third grade. Andrea Mendez is teaching Pre-K at Edison. These seven teachers come from Colombia, Belize, Costa Rica, and Honduras and have a combined total of more than 60 years of teaching experience.

Ms. Mendez taught for five years in Costa Rica before coming to Edison. "Being here is my dream come true. This is something that I always wanted,” Mendez said. “Getting to share my culture with my students, co-workers and families is an amazing opportunity.” Mendez said that the moment she met Mrs. Dana Dudenhoeffer and Mr. Brandon Whiten, she knew Gainesville ISD was where she wanted to be.

"I'm so happy to be part of Gainesville ISD,” Mendez said. “I'm learning a lot from my Pre-K team.”

Mr. Villar taught English and Spanish in Colombia for ten years and is currently teaching Spanish at GHS. Villar’s family joins him in Gainesville, and his daughter is attending Edison Elementary. Villar joined the GEC program because he wanted “to give better opportunities to my family and to improve professionally.”

“Our international teachers bring instructional expertise with a unique perspective from their home countries,” said GHS Principal David Glancy. “They quickly demonstrated high level instructional skills and have assimilated very well. They are present at all of our extracurricular events and have formed great relationships with students and staff.”

The initial challenges of housing, transportation, and living arrangements for these educators was fully supported by our GISD teaching family.

“It was a difficult transition at first, but thanks to the help offered by the GISD community, Mr. Glancy, and some friendly teachers, it has become smoother and easier,” Villar said.

As part of the TEA-approved J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program, the participating teachers are eligible to receive the visiting international teacher certificate, which is valid for three years and may be extended two additional years, for a maximum total of five years, as long as they remain in good standing with the program.