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My guiding question:
My guiding question:
How do educators in India and the United States incorporate a social justice lens that includes but isn't limited to: cultural relevance, anti-bias education, anti-racism curriculum, student voice, agency, and identity? What impact does this have on student learning?
My exchange Teacher from Zambia! (Picture taken at Claremont Graduate University).
Guanjuato, MX (June 2026)
My reflection:
My reflection:
Link to my blog. I wrote 7-8 amazing posts all about my experience in India for the Fulbright for Teachers Global Classroom Program. Seriously! I think I might win a Pulitzer Prize now.
Disclaimer: The Substack posts contain multiple paragraphs. If you want the Cliff Notes, then message me! :)
The trip is near...
June 9, 2026
I'm probably one of the worst travelers ever. I procrastinate. I don't have my vaccines yet. We're supposed to get a visa, but I am hoping that they will discuss that at our upcoming webinar. To be honest, I haven't really thought about the trip yet.
Okay, I lied. I've thought about the trip slightly since my teaching partner to Gwalior and I have been in communication with our host teacher. That's been helpful. Our host teacher has been very welcoming and has answered a lot of our questions. We recently spoke on the phone this past weekend and discussed our itinerary. Aside from that communication though, I myself have not prepared much.
It's not that I don't want to be intentional, because I do. I've just been overwhelmed with wrapping up the year and studying for my National Board Certification exam, which I took today! I won't get my results till December, but I feel a huge weight off my shoulders. I feel that I can now "lock in" and prepare myself for this journey and opportunity. I hope to read a book about India that was given to me by my friend.
Aside from preparing myself for this trip to India, I am also focusing on doing things that fill my cup with joy! My sisters and I are taking an impromptu trip to Guanajuato, Mexico for a Danza Azteca ceremonia. It will be a quick trip, but I am looking forward to it. I've been doing physical therapy recently, so I'm slowly strengthening my knee. I hope it holds up in Mexico during the Danza ceremony, but I'll have it wrapped up in a brace just in case. Upon my return, I will attend a 3 day summer institute hosted by the Institute of Teachers of Color. My friend recommended it and spoke highly of the conference. I'm also looking forward to it, because I always enjoy being surrounded by positive, inspirational educators with social justice values & tips to strengthen my pedagogy. Some people think that teachers are lazy, because we get summers off. However, little do they know, that we spend so much time during our summers still preparing for work in some shape or form. I enjoy summer, because I feel reinvigorated each August to meet my students, have a fresh start and opportunity to make a difference, build connections, promote critical thinking and implement new strategies or lessons. But so much of that idealism each Fall is attributed to the work I do during the summer, traveling, attending educational professional development, reading, and more. Many of these programs have helped shape me to want to work harder and continue learning. I've attended multiple NEH programs. Last year, I went to an LGBTQIA2S Symposium by the One Institute and each opportunity has helped me connect with other strong educators and has taught me something invaluable.
Talking about education, as I was cramming for my National Board exam in literacy, I realized there's overlap with the expectations of Nationally Board Certified Educators and Global Education. It's funny how things can come full circle and overlap. I felt like I was juggling two seperate programs earlier this year with my Global Ed class + my National Board Certification check ins and component 4 work. When in reality, both had good practices and ideas that I was able to infuse into each program.
Now the question is, how can I share this knowledge with educators in my community? It's a thin line. I don't want to gloat, because I really dislike egocentric, narcissts. I believe humility is so powerful. But at the same time, I want to raise my hand, stand in front, pass me the mic, because I want to share what I've learned. It's not about having "more knowledge" than others. In fact, it's the opposite. Everyones brings expertise and awesome perspectives &strategies. I just think we need to restructure how we collaborate or "PLC." The knowledge is in the room. One thing that I will say I really enjoyed at my former Charter School was different educators would help present topics during our PDs. The atmosphere felt more collaborative and horizontal. I would love to see more educators in my community feel empowered to share the excitement and joy of their classrooms! We often work in silos or don't get the opportunity to see each other in action. How can we step outside our comforts and showcase our work? I love when people get to witness the charisma, insight, & critical thinking of my students. It makes me feel so proud. It's not about putting on a show. It's them. They're truly inspiring, intelligent, hardworking, and kind, and I am fortunate I get to be their teacher and be a part of their growth.
Oh gosh, I just became those "Pinterest" or "Bloggy" teachers who are cringe and talk about how great being a teacher is. Yes, you know exactly who I'm talking about. Well, let me add this- it's not all peaches and roses. There, I had to add a little snark to bring down the "Disney" vibes. After all, this wouldn't be a true reflection of me, if this entire thing wasn't a little messy, chaotic, and random. Because life isn't always linear. In fact, life is like the stock market. It goes up, down, plateaus, etc. (Mental note: Use a reference I am more familiar with in the future. Stocks... I know nothing about.)
Well, that's probably all for now. I won't post again till India. However, I may start a Substack just for blogging. It may be easier to update. No offense to Google Sites, but ya'll not popping. :)
-E
My inspiration
March 9, 2026
I didn't know what Fulbright was, so how did I partake in this experience? Fortunately, my university where I had recently graduated hosted a group of international teachers through the Fulbright program. My colleague and I were both alumna from the university and were asked to host teachers. She was matched with a teacher from Northern Europe and I was paired with an educator from Zambia. We hosted our guest teachers for a few weeks as they came to visit our school sites about twice a week. My exchange partner did a lesson on the education system in her home country. She observed me teaching, asked questions, and invited a colleague of hers from the program to observe my classroom as well.
This was my first introduction to the power and impact these teacher exchanges have. I still think of the teacher I met all those years ago. This moment happened fairly early on in my career. I must have been in my 4th year of teaching, about 9 years ago. It made me grateful for the resources and tools our schools provide. As teachers, we sometimes complain that we do not have enough supplies or materials, but I recall how my teacher partner G was astonished with all the photocopies I was making for my students. She said the supplies her students had were limited and many students walked miles to get an education. That conversation was very memorable and highlights the desire to learn. At the end of this experience, G gifted me with special items from her community such as wooden, elephant shaped utensils and a beautiful scarf that says "Zambia." This is something I still own and wear today.
Fulbright would continue to be something I would hear about, because an instructional coach of mine applied as well as my friend who hosted a teacher the same year I did. They both mentioned how competitive the process was. It was something that I would keep in the back of my mind for a few more years to come. Ultimately, I applied in 2022, but I was denied acceptance into the program. The rejection made my interest and eagerness to join the Fulbright team grow even more immense. I knew this was something I wanted to do. I am always interested in learning and growing as an educator. I know I am not perfect and have room for growth. Furthermore, what is more powerful then having the opportunity to travel abroad to observe firsthand educational similarities and differences from other schools and educators. Thus, I applied again in 2025 & got in! I was very excited and cannot wait to collaborate and learn more about global education during my field experience in India. At this point, I have already completed a semester long course in global education which provided us with many tools, resources, and readings on the framework. We traveled to Washington D.C. for a symposium on global education. It was the first time many of us got to officially meet in person.
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