Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Teaching Abilities

January 9, 2025 | Post by : Anamika

Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Teaching Abilities

By: Anamika Sood

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Anamika Sood, and I have dedicated 24 years to the field of education. I came from India and embarked on a journey to the United States in 2018 as an international teacher. Before this, I spent 18 years teaching in India, where I also held positions in school leadership.

It was never an easy decision to leave my family behind and start again in a new country, but my passion for teaching and learning brought me here. I always wondered how life would be outside India and how teaching students would be different. What’s more, I deeply value the opportunity to share my knowledge and cultural perspectives with American students, and in my small part, help them make their way towards the future of a fulfilling life. After all, isn’t that the ultimate aspiration for any educator?

My experience working as an international teacher in the US has been truly transformative and remarkable. And while it is certainly a road less traveled, with its own set of challenges, I can confidently say that the rewards of teaching internationally are immeasurable.

If you are considering becoming an international teacher, here are some recommendations that I would like to share.

Embrace differences in cultures.

One of the biggest challenges I initially faced was navigating a cultural landscape here in the United States that was so different from my home country’s. The classrooms where I taught in India leaned more towards teacher-centric environments. Teachers only ask questions from the students and often rely on chalk and the board for better understanding of the concepts. American classrooms often promote intentional lesson planning, student-based learning, and informal student-teacher dynamics. They aim to encourage open discussions, critical thinking, and collaboration in all classroom settings. Take this opportunity to broaden students’ perspectives and learn from them as well.

Acclimate your teaching strategies.

The education system may be different than you are accustomed to. In my case, there is more emphasis here in the United States on project-based learning, student-centered approaches, and integrating technology into student learning. Be willing to adapt your teaching style to meet students’ needs by seeking colleague assistance and engaging in professional development opportunities.

At the same time, consider bringing in teaching practices and strategies that you may have developed in your home country. By integrating these practices/strategies — as long as they don’t run contrary to each other — students are better positioned to learn from, apply, and exchange different perspectives and knowledge. It creates an enriching and diverse learning experience and encourages students to develop cross-cultural communication skills while appreciating unique viewpoints.

Hone your communication skills.

Even though you may be fluent in the English language, idiomatic expressions and regional accents can pose challenges. Effective communication is the key to building a strong relationship with students, parents, colleagues, and the community. It is crucial to be mindful of students’ language proficiency levels and provide additional support when needed. I practiced active listening especially to the tone of voice; learnt how they use slang or colloquial terms and some common expressions. Keep seeking clarification and do not hesitate to ask for assistance from your resources when needed.

Build a support network.

Navigating a new country and its education system can be a predicament, but you do not have to figure it out alone. You get a plethora of opportunities to attend professional development trainings where you meet with other experienced educators to learn more about the education system and teaching strategies. You may seek support from fellow international teachers, join professional organizations, and build a support network that can offer you advice, resources, and a sense of community. I was blessed to get the support from my administrators and colleagues who not only helped me understand the school culture but also supported me to assimilate into the local community.

Seize the opportunity.

While it may seem challenging, remember that your journey to work as an international teacher is a great personal opportunity for growth and experience, it is also a wonderful professional opportunity. You can foster cross-cultural understanding, broaden horizons, and inspire a new generation of students with your unique perspectives and experiences. Grab the opportunity for learning wherever and whenever it comes to you. Working with people from different cultures helps you acquire cross-cultural work experience and valuable skills.

By embracing cultural differences, seeking support or professional development opportunities, and seizing opportunities, you can unlock the full potential of your teaching abilities and make a lasting impact on the lives of your students.

Keep in mind too that you are not just an educator; you are a cultural ambassador, a bridge between worlds, and a catalyst for positive change. Keep following your passion for teaching and let it guide you to success while embracing this amazing opportunity to work as an international teacher.

Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Teaching Abilities

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