Starting this fall, Galveston ISD is welcoming a group of teachers from Spain. As part of the Texas Spain Visiting International Teachers program, these instructors are making a commitment of at least three years teaching as part of GISD’s Dual Language Program.

“We will be assisting them in establishing their new lives here on the island with housing, transportation, banking, etc.,” Bilingual Coordinator Jeffery Paysse said. The group will be ready to step into GISD classrooms when school starts Aug. 21.

After many years of experience teaching public education in their home country, these instructors will offer a unique learning opportunity for Galveston students at Oppe Elementary, Weis Middle School, and Austin Middle School.  

While teaching in Texas, the Spaniards will be learning about the American education system and getting ideas to take with them when they return to Spain.

“I like living abroad and learning from another culture and sharing what I know from my culture. It’s quite enriching,” Marina Lopez said. When asked how she and the others ended up in Galveston, she said, “I picked Texas and Galveston picked me! I’m very happy.”

Another teacher in the group, Monica Perez, added, “We all want to teach our future students about our Spanish culture and places in our country.” Joining Marina and Monica are Mari Carmen Roldan Lucas, and Marisol Santamaria.

The students of Galveston ISD are very fortunate to have these adventurers teaching them and sharing their cultural experiences.

For more information about the Texas Spain Visiting International Teacher Program, go to  https://texasspainteachers.org