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Getting Creative to Fill Teacher Openings

Leveraging Teacher Exchange Programs to Fill the Gaps

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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

Then This

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Goal:

  • Fill Positions

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.

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Applicant Materials

&

Interviews

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Job Offers

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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

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