What Schools Say About VIF

San Jose Unified School District
(San Jose, California, United States)

Unlike first-time teachers, who usually take some time to get used to their students, the VIF teachers have had no trouble managing their classrooms and understanding the children they teach.

San Jose Unified School District has hosted VIF teachers since 2000. During this time, the district has quadrupled the number of VIF teachers it hosts. Here three principals offer their perspectives on VIF.

Carolina Bejarano, principal at Bachrodt Elementary School:

The demand for VIF teachers from our principals has steadily increased each year. Some are so impressed with the Program that they don't see the need to interview VIF candidates before they get them. Over time, we have gained tremendous respect for and confidence in this organization.

Two of my school's VIF teachers invited me to visit them at their homes in Guatemala one summer. During my 10-day stay, I was able to spend a lot of time with them, soaking up true Guatemalan culture. At school, all of our VIF teachers impressively share their culture inside their classrooms using pictures, artifacts and other authentic items from their home country. Outside the classroom, they've participated in events such as our school's end-of-year Multicultural Festival, where they dressed up in clothing representing their home countries.

All of the teachers that VIF sponsors have previous teaching experience, and that is a tremendous advantage of participating in the Program. Unlike first-time teachers, who usually take some time to get used to their students, the VIF teachers we've received have had no trouble managing their classrooms and understanding the children they teach. All of our VIF teachers have easily assimilated with their colleagues and become effective members of the staff. Other faculty members say they are a pleasure to work with because they are always willing to help and are dedicated to being successful educators.

I have also been impressed by the way our veteran VIF teachers have nurtured and helped out our newer VIF teachers. The camaraderie between participants proves that VIF works diligently to select individuals who are cooperative, supportive, encouraging and positively minded.

Maria Evans, principal of Bachrodt Elementary School:

I am amazed at the quality of our VIF instructors. They have embraced our community and programs with passion and commitment - contributing to a stronger school community as well as higher STAR [Standardized Testing and Reporting] results. Our VIF participants are hard working and involved in all aspects of the school: school and district committees, after-school tutoring for students, and English and computer classes for parents. I am grateful for the support that VIF provides our new instructors - another reason why our VIF teachers have been such a welcome addition to my school.

Miguel Montes, principal of Almaden Elementary School:

"Highly qualified" best defines Maria Janeth Cuspoca in every way. She is the consummate, dedicated master-teacher who regards her students as the most important responsibility of her professional life. For many of her colleagues, she became an example to those who may not have understood her strength to persevere and diligence to understand the new culture in which she found herself. I thank her for the valuable time she has spent at Almaden Elementary School teaching our students.