Four years ago, Raquel arrived in the United States as an experienced educator with sixteen years of teaching experience behind her. But stepping into a new country, culture, and educational system challenged her in ways she never expected. From difficult first weeks in the classroom to meaningful relationships with students and colleagues, her international teacher experience has been a journey of learning, growth, and transformation. Now, in her final year in the BridgeUSA Teacher Program, that journey has come full circle: she has been named Teacher of the Year in recognition of the impact she has made as an educator. In this interview, she reflects on the challenges, lessons, and cultural connections that shaped her experience teaching in the United States.
How did you feel when you learned that you had been named Teacher of the Year?
I was filled with excitement, joy, and gratitude when I learned that I had been named Teacher of the Year. This recognition is particularly meaningful to me because it comes during my final year in the program. Receiving this honor in a district with thousands of dedicated educators, all committed to providing quality instruction to their students, marks a significant milestone in my journey as an educator in the United States.
Beyond the recognition itself, this achievement reminds me of how far I have come. My journey has not always been easy, and being named Teacher of the Year prompts me to reflect on the challenges, lessons, and individuals who have contributed to my growth. I am profoundly grateful to my students, colleagues, administrators, family, and everyone who has been part of this journey.
Looking back on your journey so far, how have you changed or grown since arriving in the United States?
Four years ago, during my first few weeks of teaching in the United States, I remember going home and crying because I was struggling with classroom management. Despite having 16 years of teaching experience at an international school in my home country, I realized that teaching in a new country, culture, and educational system required me to relearn and adjust everything. It was a difficult and humbling experience.
Eventually, I returned to the core reason I became an educator—my love for my students. I began focusing on building relationships, establishing trust, and getting to know my students beyond the classroom. This experience reminded me of the well-known idea that students need to know how much we care before we can truly reach them as learners.
I am incredibly thankful for the professional foundation and training I received in the school where I worked while I was in the Philippines, as well as everything I have learned here in the United States. I have also been blessed with supportive administrators who have mentored, coached, challenged, and encouraged me to become a better teacher. I came to the United States as an experienced educator, but this journey has taught me that experience does not mean we stop learning. I believe I have grown not only as a teacher but also as a person.
What advice would you give to another teacher from your home country who is considering participating in the Teacher Program?
My advice is to prioritize building relationships with your students, colleagues, and administrators. Make sure your students feel that you genuinely care about them. They may forget the specific lessons you taught, but they will always remember how you made them feel in your classroom.
At the same time, it’s important to stay humble and teachable. No matter how many years you have taught or the position you held in your home country, approach this experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn. You will quickly discover that while you may be knowledgeable about certain topics, there is still so much more to learn.
Every observation, coaching session, and piece of feedback is an opportunity for growth. Don’t be afraid of corrections or changes. Instead, listen, reflect, adjust, and continue improving. Experience is valuable, but I have found that nothing replaces a humble heart, a willingness to learn, and a genuine love for students.
What have you enjoyed most about cultural exchange?
One of the aspects I have enjoyed the most is making cultural exchange a meaningful part of my teaching. Through my lessons, I have had the opportunity to learn more about my students and their backgrounds while also sharing and celebrating my own Filipino culture. I have discovered that, although our traditions and experiences may differ, there are many values and stories that connect us.
As a theater teacher, cultural exchange has been particularly significant because theater allows us to explore the richness of various cultures, identities, stories, and human experiences. It has deepened my understanding of my students and the people around me, while also allowing me to proudly represent my heritage.
Above all, I am grateful to the Lord for allowing me to experience this journey. I have met wonderful people who welcomed me, encouraged me, and generously invested their time in helping me, especially during the challenging first weeks of transition. These relationships are among the greatest treasures I will take home from my experience in the United States.
I came here hoping to share my knowledge as a teacher and as a Filipino cultural ambassador, but along the way, I realized that I was also learning, growing, and being transformed. For me, that is the true beauty of cultural exchange.