Getting Creative to Fill Teacher Openings

Leveraging Teacher Exchange Programs to Fill the Gaps

The Brains Behind the Operation

Liz Windingstad

Director of Human Resources

12 Years of Experience

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The Rest of Us

Dr. Bill Adams

• Assistant Superintendent of Willmar Public Schools Since 2022
• Submitted the Proposal and Created This Slide

Dr. Jeff Holm

• Superintendent of Willmar Public Schools Since 2015
• Supportive Role in this Process

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First Spam

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Then This

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Goal:

• Fill Positions

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Positive Byproduct:

• Savings in Health Insurance and FICA
• Diversity & Cultural Education
• Excitement!

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Required Agreements

International Alliance Group (IAG)

• Employ Teachers for Exchange Period (1-year Increments)
• Maintain Supervision and Guidance
• Offer Full-time Positions
• Pay has to be Commensurate
• Provide Training
• Embrace Cultural Spirit
• Open Communication

GeoVisions

• Share Information About Candidates and District
• Embrace Cultural Spirit
• Support Candidates with Arrival, Travel Needs, and Social Security Card
• Formal Letter from MDE Acknowledging we are an Approved Educational Institution.

Applicant Materials

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Interviews

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Link to interview Video

Link to Classroom Video

Job Offers

Link: Offer Letter 1

Offer Letter 2

Link: Licensure Letter

Lessons Learned

• Teaching & Learning Is Quite Different from the US.
• Class Sizes
• Curriculum
• Mentality
• Becoming a Teacher
• Culture Shock and Homesickness is REAL
• Do not hire just 1 person…
• Ask! It’s an exchange program!
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Things to Consider…

• What would it be like for you to leave your family and move to a new country for a new job?
• Housing - structure, contents
• Transportation - license, vehicle
• Communication - WiFi, credit
• Identification - SSN
• Requirements upon Arrival
• Social Security Interview
• Cultural events during year
• Ongoing Support
• Learning a new life, job, home, school, culture
• Professional Development & Mentorship