AFTER several years teaching at Unity Primary School in Strathbogie, Westmoreland, Chevelle Francis, 35, felt ready to expand her professional experience. Inspired by her mother who dedicated more than 30 years to special education, Francis joined the Participate Learning programme to experience a different educational system while serving as a cultural ambassador for Jamaica.

Now in her third year at Belvoir Elementary School in Greenville, North Carolina, Francis has experienced remarkable professional growth. She currently serves as fifth grade level chair and process manager on the school leadership team. Her accolades include earning the Pitt County Schools International Teacher of the Month and International Teacher of the Year at her school in 2024 and 2025.

“Through mentorship, collaboration with colleagues and professional development opportunities, I have been able to navigate challenges encountered in this new teaching environment very successfully,” Francis said. “My experiences here have strengthened my adaptability, resilience, and confidence as an educator.”

Teaching in the United States has broadened Francis’s instructional approach significantly. She has learned structured small-group instruction and station rotations, where students rotate through targeted learning stations while she provides differentiated instruction. She has also adopted spiral review techniques in mathematics and science, where concepts are intentionally revisited throughout the year to reinforce mastery.

One of her notable achievements was spearheading Belvoir Elementary School’s first Black History Month stage production, Rhythm of History: Celebrating Black Musical Artists Through the Decades, featuring the music of Jamaican artistes such as Sister Nancy, Buju Banton, Voicemail, and Laa Lee and Gold Up.

Currently pursuing a master of education in instructional coaching and teacher leadership, Francis plans to bring the teaching strategies she has learned back to Jamaica.

“When I return, I intend to incorporate structured small-group instruction, station rotations, spiral review techniques and strengthened classroom systems into my teaching practice,” she explained. “I also plan to share these strategies with colleagues to enhance instructional delivery and student achievement.”

Francis is among 60 teachers from Jamaica who have participated in this professional opportunity. Participate Learning provides comprehensive support including competitive salaries ranging from US$41,000 to US$55,000 annually (approximately J$6,560,000 to $8,800,000), medical coverage, airfare, and visa process support for teachers and their families.

“This is a valuable job opportunity for teachers from Jamaica who wish to expand their professional experience in the United States. In addition to professional development, the experience will allow them to strengthen pedagogical skills in diverse and multicultural educational contexts,” said Ronald Ramírez, Participate Learning’s recruitment manager for Latin America.

Participate Learning provides benefits for Jamaica’s teachers and the education system overall.

“Participation in the programme should be viewed as an investment rather than a loss,” Francis noted. “Teachers return with enhanced instructional strategies, leadership experience, international exposure and global perspectives that ultimately contribute to stronger classroom practices and students who are better prepared to thrive in a global society.”

To apply to be a Participate Learning cultural ambassador in US classrooms, teachers must have at least two years of full-time teaching experience after obtaining a university degree in education, be currently employed, possess a valid driver’s licence, and be available to reside in the United States for a minimum of two years.