After a rewarding 15 years teaching at a top-tier school in Jamaica and taking on various leadership roles, Peta-Gaye felt ready for a new challenge. With the unwavering support of her husband, she set her sights on an international teaching adventure—and the rest is history! In her classroom, Peta-Gaye is a bridge between cultures. She engages her students, who hail from countries like El Salvador, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic, in lively discussions about Hispanic cultures and traditions. They celebrate events like Cinco de Mayo and Dia de los Muertos and create cultural projects such as the “pollera” and “monton”, Panama’s traditional dress. Peta-Gaye is committed to fostering an open and respectful learning environment, always addressing any biases or stereotypes with sensitivity. She also loves comparing the vibrant cultures of her students with her own Jamaican heritage.

One of Peta-Gaye’s recent proud moments was her students’ stellar performance in the National Spanish Competition, where three of them earned silver medals and another received an honorary mention. Such achievements reflect her dedication and the high level of engagement in her classroom. At the start of her program, Peta-Gaye’s aim was to gain, to give, and to grow, and she is well on her way to achieving all of her goals. Living and working in a new cultural setting has brought immense growth to Peta-Gaye both personally and professionally. Her first year in the US has broadened her perspectives and enhanced her cultural competence and communication skills, especially in Spanish. She interacts daily with native Spanish speaking students from diverse backgrounds, which has enriched her understanding and confidence in her craft.

Adapting to new work styles and practices has been a challenging but rewarding experience for Peta-Gaye. She has also found joy in serving her local church through sign language, expanding her skills from Jamaican Sign Language (JSL) to American Sign Language (ASL). Outside the classroom, Peta-Gaye and her family have embraced new hobbies, such as exploring state fairs and trying new restaurants. These new experiences have added a delightful flavor to their life in the US.

We always ask our educators for one piece of advice they would give to new international teachers. In Peta-Gaye’s words, “use the initial weeks of school to establish your systems, norms and routines with your scholars. This is critical in directing the tone and the culture of your learning space and also to get that willingness from your scholars to actively support your plans for the year ahead.” Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and tips from the incredible international educators. We’re excited to bring you more behind-the-scenes glimpses of the amazing work happening in classrooms across the US!