Stories
As part of our case study on the J-1 Teach program, we asked principal Michael Mora Brenes to discuss how the program has impacted his middle school, Columbus Biligual Academy North, a school within the ACCEL network. There are currently 3 Cultural Vistas-sponsored J-1 teachers at Columbus Bilingual Academy North.
From my perspective, J-1 teachers embody the multiculturalism and core values of Columbus Bilingual Academy North’s (CBAN) bilingual model. Many of our students are multilingual and come from diverse cultural backgrounds, so having educators who share similar lived experiences helps us build trust in our model and strengthen relationships with the families who have chosen our school. J-1 teachers also bring strong content knowledge and a willingness to grow, which is critical in a high-need environment like ours. Compared to traditional hiring pathways, J-1 teachers help us fill hard-to-staff positions while also enriching our school culture and expanding our students’ worldview.
At CBAN, our J-1 teachers consistently go above and beyond in their commitment to the school community. They are always willing to support events and school activities, showing up with enthusiasm and a teamwork mindset simply because they care about our students and our mission. One powerful example was when my four teachers got together to host a schoolwide cultural event, where they taught students games and activities from their home countries. It was both educational and joyful, and it created a meaningful opportunity for students to learn about different cultures in an authentic and engaging way.
I’ve seen the J-1 teachers fit seamlessly into our school community and strengthen the culture of collaboration and professionalism we already have in place. They actively participate in Professional Learning Communities and team meetings, bringing fresh perspectives and a willingness to share strategies and best practices. Their presence encourages open dialogue among staff, and their curiosity and adaptability inspire others to try new approaches in the classroom. They also contribute to a sense of cultural awareness and inclusivity, helping our team better understand and support our diverse student population. Overall, they enhance both the professional growth of our staff and the learning experience of our students.
CBAN already had a fairly diverse staff, but most of our international teachers either have roots in the U.S. or came here as immigrants long before joining our school community. The J-1 program has allowed us to bring in educators directly from other countries with different cultural backgrounds and perspectives, which has further diversified our team and helped us better reflect the diversity of our students. Their presence has given both students and teachers the opportunity to engage with new traditions and ways of thinking, making global learning more authentic, meaningful, and relevant.
At CBAN, we believe the J-1 program is a perfect fit for a school like ours, already serving a diverse student population and committed to preparing students for the next stage in life. The program brings in teachers with different cultural backgrounds and perspectives, which strengthens our mission by fostering global awareness, curiosity, and empathy in our students. By involving these educators in classrooms, PLCs, and schoolwide activities, we enhance instructional practices, support multilingual learners, and model the collaboration, openness, and cultural understanding that prepare students not just academically but also socially and emotionally for life beyond our school.
I highly recommend the J-1 TEACH program to other school leaders because it’s a great way to bring in educators with new cultural perspectives and teaching approaches. These teachers enhance classroom instruction and contribute greatly to the school community. For schools struggling to fill hard-to-staff positions or looking to improve and expand their diversity, the program is a perfect solution. Any school committed to preparing students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in a diverse world can benefit from this program.