In a recent interview, our host Zaira Figueroa sat down with Francisco Sosa, an international teacher from Nicaragua who is part of the International Alliance Group family. Through their chat, we gain insight into Francisco’s initial steps, the support that made a difference, and the profound journey of teaching and personal growth experienced in the classroom. Here are some highlights:
Zaira: Welcome, Francisco! We’re so happy to have you here. Please, introduce yourself and share a bit about your experience teaching in the U.S.
Francisco: Thank you! My name is Francisco Sosa, I’m 28 years old and from Nicaragua. I’m very excited to be here in the United States, now in my second year teaching Spanish in Arizona. It’s been a wonderful experience, and I’m very grateful for the help from IAG. I love that!
Zaira: That’s wonderful to hear. Turning to your initial experience, what was it like specifically when you first started teaching in the US? How did you adapt to the new professional expectations?
Francisco: Well, when I came here, the first month was very hard because the teaching experience in my country is different from the one here. We have more scholars in the classroom, it is like 25 per class [in Nicaragua]. I was very excited [anxious about] how the kids would welcome me, however, they were loving me. They would say, “Hey, How is your country?” They were very excited to learn about my home, my culture… and it was equally very exciting for me to engage with my students.
Zaira: That’s beautiful. I love that these kids appreciate a different culture. Moving on to support, thinking back to that initial stage, what kind of support did you receive that was most helpful?
Francisco: My principal has been very helpful. Anytime I needed help, she was there for me. But in addition to that, I think IAG, anytime I needed to have any question answer, I reach out to the person who’s in charge of my district and then and they were there for me. I have never felt alone since I’ve been here in these two years.
In conclusion, Francisco’s experience highlights the initial challenges of adapting to a new teaching environment, but it strongly emphasizes the positive reception from students and the critical role of support systems, both from the school leadership and from IAG, in ensuring international teachers feel welcomed and empowered throughout their journey.
This blog was written by Global Workforce Development, powered by IAG, an organization dedicated to creating international job opportunities for professionals.