110. Coming to America: A Conversation With International Educator-Authors Who Relocated to the US

Text us with topic or guest suggestions! For many of us, the phrase “Going Global” elicits an image of someone leaving North America to head off to an exotic destination overseas. But how many of us think about folks for whom “Going Global” meant leaving their home country to teach in North America? Our guests on this show did just that! Coreen Anderson, Ed.D., has built a career demonstrating that education knows no borders, from classrooms in Jamaica and the United States to online universities. As an international educator and university instructor, she creates teaching and learning environments that prepare students for success in a globalized world. She helped reshape teacher preparation in the United States by collaborating with other stakeholders to develop curriculum for teacher education programs in one state, strengthening the preparation of the next generation of teachers. Her commitment to teacher excellence is longstanding; over the years, she has mentored and coached numerous educators. That same commitment inspired her recently authored book, which positions international teachers to succeed in U.S. classrooms.  Dr. Anderson has received numerous awards for her impact on education, and her commitment extends beyond classroom walls and university halls. She is a key driver behind the Louisetta James Memorial Foundation Scholarship in Jamaica, which awards scholarships to students at the primary, high school, and post-secondary levels.  Dr. Anderson’s belief that quality education is the master key to unlocking most doors continues to shape her practices and endeavors. Subhadra Desaraju is a highly accomplished science educator and academic leader based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She earned her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Chemistry from Delhi University before pursuing further qualifications in education, including an Educational Specialist (EdS) degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Old Dominion University. In her career, Desaraju balances her roles in both secondary and higher education, serving as an adjunct professor in the Chemistry department at a local Community College while simultaneously shaping science education within the public school system. In her current school, Desaraju holds vital leadership roles, including Science Department Chair, Lead Mentor, and Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry teacher. Her commitment to instruction and mentorship earned her national recognition as a National Board Certified Teacher, as well as the prestigious honor of being named the City-Wide Teacher of the Year. She continues to actively participate in regional professional learning communities, focusing on instructional collaboration and advancing leadership skills. As an experienced international teacher, she is also committed to providing support and mentorship to newly recruited global educators. Guiding Question: “What are some tips you would offer to international educators coming to teach in the United States to help them prepare?” Topics Addressed: Why Coreen and Subhadra decided to leave their home countries and head overseas and how they managed it Some early impressions and experiences from when they first arrived in the United States as an international educator What prompted Coreen to write a book for international educators Some of the types of struggles she heard about through interviewing teachers for her book Subhadra’s contribution as a co-author of the second edition Some teaching tips for international educators moving to the United States Some non-teaching tips for international educators moving to the United States Contact: Coreen LinkedIn Subhadra LinkedIn Book: Reaching Beyond Borders: The International Teachers' Guide to Migrating  and Teaching in the U.S. Date Recorded: August 29, 2026 Categories: Transitions | School Life | Finances | Relationships Support the show Remember to access our Educators Going Global website for more information and consider joining our Patreon community at patreon/educatorsgoingglobal! Email us with comments or suggestions at [email protected] Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook,  Instagram or YouTube. Listen on your favorite podcast app: connect from our share page. Music: YouTube. (2022). Acoustic Guitar | Folk | No copyright | 2022❤️. YouTube. Retrieved October 11, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOEmg_6i7jA.