International Teachers Bring Diversity at Language Immersion School

International Teachers Bring Diversity at Language Immersion School

By Dr. Anthony Graham, Chief Operating Officer, St. Louis Language Immersion School, St. Louis, MO

At the St. Louis Language Immersion School (SLLIS), diversity and innovation intersect to tackle one of the most pressing issues in education today: teacher shortages. With nearly half of its teaching staff coming from outside the United States, SLLIS leverages international talent to fill critical roles while enriching the educational experience for students. This year, the school welcomes educators from 18 countries across four continents who speak 15 languages.

SLLIS’s dual-language immersion model enables students to learn core subjects in English and a target language— Spanish, French or Chinese—starting in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten. The contributions of international teachers are essential to maintaining this immersive educational environment.

ADDRESSING TEACHER SHORTAGES THROUGH GLOBAL TALENT

Teacher shortages have become a nationwide challenge, with districts across the country struggling to recruit and retain qualified educators. By sponsoring international teachers through J-1 and H-1B visas, SLLIS fills critical roles and enhances the quality of education.

SLLIS’s visa program allows qualified teachers to work in the United States for up to six years, promoting crosscultural exchange while addressing workforce needs. SLLIS staff bring native fluency in their target languages and diverse cultural perspectives, making them invaluable assets to language immersion schools like SLLIS.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS

The presence of international educators at SLLIS ensures students gain more than language proficiency; they acquire a global perspective. For instance, students in the Spanish program may learn from teachers from Venezuela, Spain, Panama, Mexico and Bolivia during their time at the school. The school’s French and Chinese programs feature teachers from various countries, exposing students to diverse accents, dialects and cultural traditions.

This multicultural environment fosters cultural competence and prepares students to thrive in an interconnected world. The school’s goal is to create well-rounded students with a global mindset. 

SUPPORTING INTERNATIONAL TEACHERS

Navigating the logistics of hiring international staff requires significant effort. SLLIS typically begins recruiting in November and finalizes hires by mid-March to allow ample visa processing and relocation time. International teachers face challenges that many domestic hires do not, including obtaining visas, social security numbers and housing.

SLLIS supports its international staff every step of the way. The school assists with apartment searches, financial setup, phone connectivity and transportation. A comprehensive welcome packet includes guidance on obtaining driver’s licenses, finding grocery stores and accessing community resources.

Stephanie Diaz, a second-grade teacher who moved to St. Louis from Panama, highlighted the importance of this support. “The visa process was stressful, especially as a family, but SLLIS guided us through every step,” Diaz said. “Without their help, I couldn’t have made the move. I’m excited to share my culture with my students and build a classroom community.” 

A MODEL FOR DIVERSITY AND INNOVATION

By sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas and actively recruiting international educators, SLLIS maintains a 100 percent staffing rate throughout the school year and creates a school environment that reflects the world’s diversity. Over 53 percent of staff identify with a race other than white, making our school a leader in fostering inclusion and representation in education.

Named the 2024 Best Public Charter School in Missouri, SLLIS continues to thrive as a hub for global education in St. Louis. The school’s innovative approach ensures students receive an academically rigorous and culturally enriching education.

For more information about St. Louis Language Immersion School and its programs, visit www.sllis.org.