When special education teachers Junalyn Zaragosa, Junnalie Ang, Romella Verdeflor, Josieren Galacio and Krissa Cajurao came to work for Moorhead Schools, they didn’t come from the Fargo-Moorhead area, the Twin Cities or even anywhere in North America. These teachers became Spuds by way of the Philippines.
“My journey began with a dream that started a long time ago. I wanted to come to the United States of America to teach,” said Romella Verdeflor. “Before I was born the Philippines were under Spanish rule and education was reserved for privileged people. When my grandfather was young, the United States took over the administration of the country and built schools for everyone. Thanks to the American teachers, my grandfather was able to learn to read and write.”
Like many school districts across the country, Moorhead Area Public Schools (MAPS) continues to face a staffing shortage in many areas. This challenge sparked creativity for the Human Resources Team.
Assistant Superintendent Kristin Dehmer connected with PhilAM Partners LLC, a Fargo-based business specializing in placing H-1B and H-2B workers from the Philippines, to start the enterprise of finding five special education teachers to bring to Moorhead. This months-long process included receiving applications from interested teachers, conducting interviews, working through immigration-related legal mechanisms and arranging travel and housing for the teachers who were selected.
“MAPS completed a small amount, but PhilAM and their legal team handled the majority of the paperwork,” noted Sue Winter, MAPS Director of Human Resources. “Teachers and staff donated furniture, kitchen items, bedding and other essentials ahead of when the new special education teachers arrived.
“The drive for donations was an overwhelming success, easing the transition and helping our new team members feel welcome.”
The five teachers arrived in mid-April to start work for the district, with each assigned to a different school:
- Ms Zaragosa: Ellen Hopkins Elementary
- Ms Ang: Robert Asp Elementary
- Ms Verdeflor: Horizon Middle School
- Ms Galacio: Dorothy Dodds Elementary
- Ms Cajurao: Probstfield Elementary
Starting in the last two months of the 2022-23 school year yielded some advantages for these educators. They have been able to meet their fellow staff, shadow teachers in their respective schools and work with small groups of students. This will prepare them to receive their own caseloads in the fall.
“Since I arrived, I have been overwhelmed by the support, kindness, accommodation and warm welcome of everybody here,” beamed Josieren Galacio.