An exciting opportunity for teachers to expand their professional horizons while sharing their culture internationally is available through Participate Learning’s Cultural Ambassador Teacher programme.

Participate Learning is a global education company that supports teachers from more than 35 countries by giving them the opportunity to gain additional experience and professional development from assignments teaching in schools in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia in the United States.

“This is a valuable opportunity for teachers who wish to expand their professional experience,” said Ronald Ramírez, Recruitment Manager for Latin America. “The experience allows them to strengthen pedagogical skills in diverse and multicultural educational contexts.”

Westmoreland native Chevelle Francis is in her third year at Belvoir Elementary School in Greenville, North Carolina, where she currently serves as fifth-grade level chair and process manager on the school leadership team. Since being at the school, she has earned accolades, including being named International Teacher of the Year in 2024 and 2025. Another highlight for Chevelle was spearheading a Black History Month production featuring music of Jamaican artistes and popular dance moves.

Once she decided to pursue the opportunity with Participate Learning, Chevelle found the application process straightforward. “I applied in November 2022 and about a week later, received a ‘You’re Moving Forward’ email,” she recalls. The next stage was to complete a video introduction and do interviews with schools.

Once accepted, teachers receive a welcome package from Participate Learning with details and documents to complete a J-1 visa application. Teachers manage their visa application with guidance from the Participate Learning team and advise the organisation of the outcome, which, if successful, leads to arranging travel to the United States.

Pre-departure preparation includes completing online courses through Participate Learning’s Admissions and Ambassador Orientation Communities of Practice, along with live calls where incoming teachers build relationships with staff, current Ambassador teachers and other new teachers. Teachers also handle personal logistics, including notifying their current school, arranging for belongings, and gathering essential documentation.

On arrival in the USA, new teachers are met at the airport by a Participate Learning representative and attend a week-long orientation covering classroom management, lesson planning, parent-teacher communication, student assessments, instructional strategies, living in the US, finances and health insurance.

On the last day of orientation, new Ambassador Teachers are taken to their school district to meet their local adviser. “My advisor helped with county office visits, Social Security, health screening, and housing essentials,” Chevelle says.

Finally, teachers complete school onboarding, meet students and start teaching at their assigned school. 

Participate Learning provides ongoing support to teachers year-round through check-ins and professional development. Teachers earn between US$41,000 and US$55,000 annually (J$6,560,000 to J$8,800,000) with medical coverage and airfare for the teacher and family.

Jamaica’s schools benefit from teachers’ experiences as Participate Learning cultural ambassadors. At the end of their teaching assignment, teachers return to Jamaica bringing new strategies to local classrooms. 

Currently pursuing a Master’s in instructional coaching and teacher leadership, Chevelle plans to incorporate strategies such as structured small-group instruction, station rotations and spiral review techniques when she returns to the classroom in Jamaica. “I plan to share these strategies with colleagues to enhance instructional delivery and student achievement,” she explains.

Participate Learning accepts year-round applications for elementary education, science, mathematics, and special education positions. Teachers must have at least two years of teaching experience, a university degree in education, valid driver’s license, and availability for a minimum two-year commitment. The programme provides structured support from application through arrival and throughout the teaching assignment, enabling Jamaican educators to gain valuable international experience while preparing to strengthen education at home.