Spring ISD Welcomes Global Educators: International Teacher Program Boosts Classrooms and Cultural Connection
In a meaningful step toward educational innovation and global connectivity, Spring Independent School District launched its first-ever International Teacher Program during the 2024–2025 school year. The initiative, part of a J-1 visa cultural exchange program, welcomed 10 international teachers from India, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, and across Central and South America to campuses throughout the district.
The program has already delivered impactful results—from increased teacher certification in critical subject areas to a vibrant infusion of global cultural awareness in classrooms. District leaders, educators, and students are celebrating what has become a transformative year.
A Global Impact on Local Students
“These teachers are not only expanding our students' understanding of the world—they’re also enriching our district with their dedication, heart, and global insight,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar, reflecting on the program’s success at a year-end celebration. “It was an honor to celebrate their journey and witness the bonds they've built within our community.”
Through partnerships with organizations like Alliance Abroad Group, Spring ISD has addressed both a national teacher shortage and the desire for more globally informed learning environments. The international educators hold full teaching credentials and bring years of classroom experience, along with deep cultural insights that resonate with today’s diverse student population.
Teaching with Purpose and Heart
Dr. Terrell King, Chief of Human Resource Services, emphasized the program’s dual value: “We’ve increased the number of certified teachers in our classrooms, which is a direct benefit to our students. But it also enhances global awareness, allowing our kids to learn from educators who bring valuable international experience and cultural understanding.”
For Zyrelle Abuda, a special education teacher from the Philippines, teaching in Spring ISD has been personally and professionally profound. “Seeing my students learn not just from me, but also from the cultural exchange we share, has been incredibly fulfilling,” she said. “The growth I’ve experienced as an educator, a mother working far from home, a person navigating a different world, has been life-changing. I have become more adaptable, more patient, and more grounded in my purpose.”
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Biology teacher Nisha Johnson, who moved from India, shared a similar experience. Her students achieved a 100% pass rate on the STAAR Biology exam this year. “Watching my students grow, succeed, and share their own cultures with me has been profoundly moving,” she said. “Their trust and openness created a classroom environment where learning truly thrived.”
From the Dominican Republic, bilingual teacher Markelly Peña Diaz captured the emotional core of her time in Spring ISD: “Seeing their eyes light up when they understand a new concept, or when they feel safe sharing their stories—that’s priceless.”
A Vision for the Future
Assistant Superintendent of Talent Acquisition and Engagement Dr. Alejandro Gonzalez says the pilot cohort marks only the beginning. “We’re welcoming 37 more international teachers next school year,” he said. “Their presence strengthens our campuses in every way—from instruction to cultural understanding to the overall student experience.”
As the district prepares to scale the initiative, it remains focused on its central mission: student growth and success. “This isn’t just about filling positions,” Dr. Gonzalez added. “It’s about creating classrooms where every student feels supported, inspired, and prepared to thrive in an interconnected world.”
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
