A Day of Collaboration and Learning in San Diego: Strengthening Binational Education

Fabiola Barrientos
September 5, 2024

The sun had just risen as we embarked on an exciting day filled with learning and collaboration at Fahari L. Jeffers Elementary School, located in the Chula Vista Elementary School District. This event marked the beginning of a series of activities that not only strengthened educational ties between the United States and Mexico but also highlighted the importance of international collaboration in education.

The convening was led by International Alliance Group’s Chief Strategy Officer, Dr. Abram Jimenez, Ed.D – where the first meeting of the day was at Fahari L. Jeffers Elementary School, where educational officials from both countries gathered to discuss strategies to support binational students.

We were honored to have the presence of distinguished leaders, including:

From Mexico

Jaime del Río Salcedo, Director General of CREFAL;
Héctor Manuel Monges Morán, Director of International Educational Cooperation;
Aarón Grageda Bustamante, Secretary of Education of Sonora;
Luis Gallegos Cortéz, Secretary of Baja California;
Dulce María Jáuregui Santillán, Deputy Secretary of Education from Baja California;
Erika Romero, Managing Director of Internationalization and Global Initiatives;
Yara Lopez, State Coordinator of Bilingual Education at the State Educational System of Baja California

Superintendents and Deputy Superintendents:

Dr. Eduardo Reyes, Superintend Superintendent of Chula Vista School District;
Cheryl Cotton, Deputy Superintendent, California Department of Education Subdivision;
Dr. Raul Maldonado, Superintendent of Palmdale Unified School District;
Dr. Fabiola Bagula, Deputy Superintendent, San Diego Unified School District;

Board Members:

Richard Barrera, Member of the Executive Cabinet of the California State Superintendent and San Diego Unified School District Board Member

Lucy Ugarte, Chula Vista Elementary School District

Francisco Tamayo, Chula Vista Elementary School District

Sharon Whitehurst-Payne, San Diego Unified School District

Organizations:

Dr. Edgar Lampkin, CEO of California Association of Bilingual Eeducators

Dr. Barbara Flores, CABE Immediate Past President.

And many other esteemed officials from both Mexico and the United States.

These meetings are vital for promoting cultural and educational exchange, allowing our students to benefit from diverse perspectives and pedagogical approaches. Such collaborations are essential in preparing our young people for a globalized world.

During a morning press conference, International Alliance Group President and CEO, Jason Hammond, emphasized the organization’s commitment to fostering international collaboration in education. He highlighted the group’s primary goal: to provide students with diverse and enriching learning experiences by bringing together talented educators from across the globe. This commitment is reflected in their efforts to increase the number of J1 Visa Mexican teachers in the U.S., aimed at supporting multilingual learners more effectively. Jason Hammond emphasized the importance of this event, highlighting that “Mexico has been underrepresented for years in the J-1 visa category, and we’re excited to help open that up. Our students deserve to have teachers who represent them, speak the language, and understand the culture.”

When asked about the current management of this process, which is exclusively overseen by the California Department of Education, Hammond stressed the need for broader participation and enhanced support. He stated, “The population deserves much more. Our students deserve the best.”

The next stop was Sonia Sotomayor Elementary School, a school soon to open in the same district. We toured its modern facilities and discovered the innovative educational programs they will offer. These visits are crucial to ensuring that our institutions are ready to provide a quality education, equipped with the necessary tools for students’ academic and personal success.

Afterward, we headed to Freese Elementary School, part of the San Diego Unified School District. There, we met interns participating in the summer internship program. These young professionals are assisting current teachers, bringing a fresh and creative approach, especially in the arts. Initiatives like this are vital for attracting young and diverse talent, enriching the educational environment, and benefiting our students with a more comprehensive education.

The highlight of the day was our participation in the CALSA conference, where Maestro Jaime del Río Salcedo, Director General of CREFAL, presented the new Mexican school model.This model focuses on integral learning, promoting not only academic knowledge but also the development of socio-emotional skills and civic values. Del Río Salcedo explained that “the new Mexican school model prepares students for the challenges of the 21st century, fostering an inclusive and equitable education for all.

These events not only strengthen collaboration between the United States and Mexico but also demonstrate our commitment to educational excellence. Through these activities, we aim to attract more international teachers to California and the entire United States, promoting a rich and diverse learning environment for our students. Education is a fundamental pillar for the development of our communities, and events like these are essential for building a bright future for everyone.

At International Alliance Group , we believe international collaboration in education not only enriches the learning experiences of our students but also fosters mutual understanding and respect that transcends borders. These events are a testament to our commitment to inclusive and high-quality education.