International Educator Interviews: Richard in Alaska
I am currently in Anchorage, Alaska teaching 6th grade.
How does Alaska fit into you international teaching career?
I have taught at two previous international schools before. My teaching career is as such – I taught in Virginia for two years, then three years at Ross Prep School in St.Kitts in the Caribbean, then Mexico City for one year, Alaska for five years, and next school year I will be teaching 5th grade in Guadalajara, Mexico at ASFG (American School Foundation of Guadalajara).
Volunteering as a dog handler at the Iditarod Trail starting line in WIllow, Alaska
What is it like living in Alaska?
The best thing about Alaska is the remote outdoors and being surrounded by people who want to go play in them. You can do a myriad of activities and it will be just you and the outdoors.
What made you decide to teach internationally?
Being a son of a military family, I thought it would be exciting to live overseas and to work for DODDS. It wasn’t until a relationship ended badly for me that I had enough motivation to leave the country. I felt like I was in a rut with life and the idea of teaching outside the US seemed like the answer to shake things up.
Bastillia in Mexico City
What challenges have you faced teaching internationally?
The School in St.Kitts was very small with few resources and most were outdated, like still calling Russia the USSR. I had to get creative and resourceful for the students to get quality education. There were only five teachers for the entire K-8 school, so the school was only as good as the effort the teachers were putting in. Mexico City was a huge school with eight grade-level teachers, and it seemed to be very disorganized due to being too big. It felt like I was being pulled in every direction with students, parents, PYP, administration, etc.
Shark Dive in St. Maarten
How is teaching internationally different from teaching in your home country?
No union, so no job security. Also, the parents are more involved than any school in the U.S. This can be good and bad, depending on the personality of the parent. Also, I really enjoyed being creative again in the classroom. Public schools seemed like a factory to me, where international schools allowed for more flexibility and creative teaching since testing is not as important.
Me and my surf board in St. Kitts
Do you still get culture shock? How do you experience re-entry?
Oh I definitely still get culture shock. International experiences prepare me for most things, but every culture is different and something will stand out to you. I think “shock” implies such a strong reaction, but to me it is that “wow, I can’t believe they do that” feeling.
Getting Lucha Libre at Cruz Azul futbol game in Mexico City
What are some myths about some of the countries you have lived in?
St.Kitts – The Caribbean is friendly, easy-going place – It is poor, and it comes with harsh crime of being extremely poor. I was robbed, stolen from, and had two attempts on my life while living there (brakes cut and I was shot in the arm).
I would always go on an adventure within the country or nearby countries. I would visit home once a year, but I would rather be exploring. Alas, I have a great family that I love, so seeing them often is great.
Photo published in an airline magazine of me buying street chicken in St. Kitts
When you are looking for a new job, what do you personally look for in a school and country? Has that changed from when you first started teaching?
I look for a school with a good administration, stable, and with happy teachers. I also look for PD and how this school will bolster my resume. Country? I look for how do teachers and other expats have fun? Can you explore the country and travel? Has that changed? No, I don’t plan on growing up anytime soon.
How do you go about making a new place your own? (That is, both your new accommodation and your new country.)
Ice climbing on a glacier in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Surfing in St. Kitts
First thing that popped into my head – street tacos. When getting street tacos, I would get the beef, but every part of the cow would be on the grill…brain, intestines, liver, etc. And all of them would be the same price, and the locals would rather eat tripe instead of the meat.
You get shot!!!! Hahaha. I know it’s time to leave when I get this feeling of being too comfortable. When I have explored a lot and might be doing something a second time. When I feel like I’ve figured out life where I am at and I am comfortable. Then I know it’s time to shake things up and move on.
Day of the Dead celebrated in the streets of Mexico City
What has been your favorite teaching position and location thus far? Is there anywhere you are hoping to land a position in the future?
One of the many ancient ruins in Mexico
Find the full series of Interviews with International Educators here.
If you are an international educator and you would like to be featured on The Present Perfect, contact me at thepresentperfectblog {at} gmail {dot} com.
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