Jamaica: United States Agency Seeks Jamaican Educators for Teaching Program

A teacher recruitment agency in the United States is actively searching for Jamaican educators, highlighting their classroom management skills and curriculum knowledge as key attributes. The Foreign Academic & Cultural Exchange Services (FACES), a J-1 designated teacher sponsor recognized by the United States Department of State, recruits educators from various countries and places them in classrooms in South Carolina for periods ranging from three to five years under a cultural exchange program.

This program allows participants to bring their professional expertise, academic qualifications, and cultural experiences into American classrooms, while also exposing students to the traditions and practices of other countries. Teachers involved in the program gain certifications, professional development, and skills that they can utilize in their home countries upon returning at the end of their tenure.

FACES has successfully recruited over 2,000 teachers during its 27 years of operation. According to Aleksandra Patrascu, the communication director at the agency, Jamaican educators have distinguished themselves and are frequently sought after by schools participating in the program. Patrascu noted, “We’ve found great success with Jamaican teachers due to the great English that they speak. For them, there’s not a lot of language barrier when they get to South Carolina, as opposed to teachers from other parts of the world where the language might be a little bit strange. Jamaican teachers are strongly trained in the curriculum… We’ve had a lot of very successful English teachers from Jamaica.”

She further explained that Jamaican teachers are trained in the British curriculum, which is well-regarded in South Carolina. Patrascu emphasized the strong classroom management skills of Jamaican teachers, stating, “I’ve had the honour to observe Jamaican teachers in their elementary school classroom and in their Spanish classroom, and you can see that there was a presence in that classroom… Jamaican teachers have done a tremendous job in managing classrooms with many students.”

In addition to their skills, the proximity of Jamaica to the United States is seen as an advantage, allowing educators to travel home for special events and family gatherings. Patrascu also mentioned that Jamaican teachers are generally familiar with American culture, which aids in their adaptation and reduces culture shock. She remarked on the positive attitude of Jamaican educators, saying, “I think it’s something in the air in Jamaica because our Jamaican teachers are very happy. They’re very positive people… They have sunshine in their heart. They’re just happy people.”

FACES recruited 12 Jamaican teachers this year, with approximately 60 Jamaican educators having participated in the program over the past 27 years. Some have returned for multiple exchange periods. The agency is looking to recruit more Jamaican teachers in various areas, including elementary education, English, Spanish, physical education, special education, and science.

Many Jamaican educators have received recognition for their success in the program, including awards for teacher of the week, month, and year. Notable examples include Jermaine Howell, who was named teacher of the year at Cedar Fork Elementary School in North Carolina, and Camilla Walsh-Reynolds, who serves as international teacher lead at JW Coon Elementary in Cumberland County. Tamar Blair-Robinson has also been honored as teacher of the month and international teacher of the year at Lillington Shawtown Elementary School.

Patrascu expressed pride in the achievements of these educators, stating, “For an international teacher to be honoured or to be recognised as teacher of the year at their school, that means they did something to stand out from all of the other American and international teachers in that school, and that is huge.” She encouraged interested individuals to visit the agency’s website, facesinc.org, to apply for the program, noting that the application process is free. After applications are received, interviews will be conducted to assess the educators’ goals and reasons for joining the program. Successful candidates will have their teaching profiles posted on the company’s website for school districts to review and select from. FACES covers airfare for successful candidates and provides assistance with housing, transportation, and communication needs. Patrascu emphasized that international teachers receive the same benefits and compensation as local teachers.

Source: jamaicaobserver.com