A Huge First-Year Impact: Brianna Gordon

Brianna Gordon’s Journey to Teaching

At Global Teaching Partners, we have the privilege of working with outstanding educators from all over the world, and one of the shining stars among them is Brianna Gordon from Jamaica. Brianna’s passion for teaching, her cultural pride, and her dedication to her students are just a few of the reasons she is making a tremendous impact in her classroom.

When asked why she wanted to teach in the USA, Brianna explained that she was drawn to the country’s culturally diverse classrooms. She saw teaching in the U.S. as an opportunity to foster global understanding and promote cross-cultural exchange. In a world that is becoming more interconnected, Brianna wants to empower her students to become active citizens, equipped with the knowledge and empathy needed to navigate a diverse world.

Strategies in the Classroom

Brianna’s journey to becoming a teacher is rooted in her own transformative educational experiences. She was inspired by teachers who saw potential in her and nurtured her curiosity. These teachers helped her grow into the confident, compassionate individual she is today. Now, Brianna seeks to replicate that experience for her students. She strives to create a classroom that is supportive, inclusive, and centered on academic excellence, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Brianna believes in the power of education to change lives, and she works tirelessly to give her students the same encouragement and opportunities she received.

In the classroom, Brianna is particularly proud of her ability to remain patient and energized, even on the most challenging days. Her enthusiasm for teaching is contagious, and she loves bringing excitement to her lessons. Whether she’s incorporating fun math games, reading challenges, or sharing aspects of Jamaican culture, Brianna makes learning feel like an adventure for her students. The joy and curiosity she witnesses in her students’ faces are a testament to her ability to create memorable and engaging learning experiences.

For language, Brianna introduced her students to the work of Louise Bennett-Coverley, a renowned Jamaican poet, and her poem “Nuh Lickle Twang,” which is written in Jamaican Patois. The students learned to express themselves through the poem, practicing the language and its emotional expression.

For music and dance, Brianna spotlighted the legendary Bob Marley and his iconic song “One Love,” as well as Elephant Man’s energetic dance track “Pon de River, Pon de Bank.” Brianna choreographed a lively dance to the song, which the students performed with enthusiasm.

The event was a great success, with students eagerly participating and showing off what they had learned. Brianna’s thoughtful planning and dedication to sharing her culture created a memorable experience for both her students and their families. The students were also treated to traditional Jamaican cuisine, including jerk chicken and dinner rolls, which rounded out the cultural experience. The positive feedback from students, parents, and staff was a testament to the impact of this event, and it underscored Brianna’s ability to connect with her students in meaningful ways.

Looking Forward…

Looking ahead, Brianna hopes that her time in the Global Teacher Program will allow her to deepen her understanding of diverse educational systems, cultures, and teaching methods. She’s eager to develop the skills needed to design culturally responsive lesson plans that cater to students from varied backgrounds. Brianna also hopes to build a global network of educators, where she can exchange best practices and collaborate to improve education across the world. Ultimately, Brianna envisions herself as a leader and change agent, promoting cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship in both her school and community.

Brianna Gordon is a prime example of the transformative power of education. Her dedication to her students, her passion for teaching, and her commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding make her an exceptional educator. We’re proud to have her as part of the Global Teaching Partners family and excited to see the continued impact she will have in the classroom and beyond.