Why international educators are an asset to students, families, and school communities 

Charter schools across the country are searching for ways to attract and retain excellent teachers while also offering students a rich, engaging education. One powerful strategy is hiring international teachers. At Lakes International Language Academy (LILA), a K–12 charter school in Minnesota, international educators have become essential to the school’s success—and a model for how global hiring can strengthen charter school communities. 

Nearly a third of LILA’s licensed staff are international teachers, representing countries such as Spain, Costa Rica, China, Ecuador, Kenya, India, and Venezuela, and more. These teachers arrive on visas, often without family support, and step bravely into new classrooms and communities. What they bring in return is more than language expertise—it’s a set of benefits that ripple through the classroom, the staff, and the wider school community.

Enriching Language Instruction 

As a Spanish and Chinese immersion school, LILA relies on international teachers to bring authenticity to the classroom. “The obvious benefit of international teachers is having native language speakers,” says Tami Cummings, Director of Human Resources. Native speakers provide fluency, cultural nuance, and real-world context that make language come alive. Students learn accurate pronunciation and natural expression, while U.S.-born colleagues also benefit from the opportunity to grow in their own language skills. 

Expanding Cultural Horizons 

At LILA, international teachers don’t just teach language—they bring their whole selves to the community. They share traditions, games, and stories from their home countries, creating moments of discovery for students and families alike. 

One of the best examples of this is LILA’s annual international potluck dinner during staff training week. Tables stretch nearly 100 feet long, filled with dishes from every corner of the globe—Spanish paella, Chinese dumplings, Kenyan stew, Costa Rican gallo pinto. Teachers proudly prepare foods from their heritage, and colleagues gather to taste, ask questions, and share their own family recipes. 

What could be just another professional development week meal becomes a celebration of culture and connection. It’s a reminder that international teachers enrich more than classroom lessons; they help build a school community where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated. As Cummings puts it, “Their cultural experiences and traditions that they share with staff, students, and families are absolutely amazing.” 

Strengthening Connections and Community 

International teachers also forge especially close bonds with students and families. By sharing personal stories about their journey to the U.S. or life back home, they invite stronger connections and greater understanding. “There is more communication about personal experiences and culture, which creates that tighter bond,” says Cummings. 

Among staff, supporting new colleagues through the challenges of relocation—housing, licensing, transportation—has fostered a culture of empathy. Teachers step up to host newcomers in their homes or guide them through the basics of daily life in Minnesota. Cummings herself once hosted a new teacher for more than a month. “This is a very tight and bonded community created out of not only necessity but empathy as well,” she reflects. 

Lasting Impact on Schools 

Some international teachers stay long-term, pursuing permanent residency or citizenship. Others eventually return home. Either way, their impact endures. Students graduate not just with stronger language skills, but with a broader worldview and deeper cultural awareness. 

“There is so much we learn from them—how they grew up, what they eat, what they think about the U.S.,” says Cummings. “The list goes on and on.” 

The Takeaway 

For charter schools, international hiring is more than a staffing strategy—it’s an opportunity to enrich instruction, deepen cultural awareness, and build stronger communities. LILA’s experience shows the payoff: students gain authentic learning, staff develop bonds rooted in empathy, and the entire school thrives as a global community. 

As Cummings sums it up: “When schools invest in international educators, they’re not just hiring teachers—they’re building community.” 

Ready to Explore International Hiring? 

If your charter school is looking for innovative ways to strengthen teaching and build community, international educators could be the answer. Schedule a conversation with our team here.