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Post-Arrival

Talzent | 5 Min 24 March 2025

What surprises international teachers
about the
U.S.A classrooms?

Teaching in the U.S. is an exciting yet challenging experience for international educators. Despite strong teaching backgrounds, they often find American classrooms vastly different, from teaching styles to discipline policies and cultural expectations. Adapting requires flexibility and an open mind, but with time and support, these differences become valuable learning experiences. 

Here are some key surprises international educators encounter in U.S. classrooms:

  • Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) & Special Education
  • U.S. schools provide structured support for students with disabilities, ensuring tailored accommodations, which may be less common in other countries.
  • Student choice & autonomy
  • Unlike rigid curricula, American classrooms encourage students to select projects, books, and discussion topics, fostering independence and engagement.
  • Active parental involvement
  • Parents play a significant role in education, frequently communicating with teachers, attending meetings, and even participating in classroom activities
  • Technology driven learning
  • Digital tools like Chromebooks, interactive whiteboards, and online platforms are deeply integrated into teaching and assessment.
  • Classroom management & discipline
  • Schools emphasize positive reinforcement and restorative discipline instead of traditional authoritarian methods, which can be an adjustment for international teachers.
  • Continuous assessment & flexible grading
  • Unlike systems relying on final exams, U.S. schools use ongoing assessments, allowing students multiple chances to improve their performance.
  • Diversity in the classroom
  • Classrooms include students from various cultural, linguistic, and academic backgrounds, requiring differentiated instruction and inclusive teaching strategies.

Conclusion

While these differences may seem overwhelming at first, they present an opportunity for professional and personal growth. International teachers bring unique perspectives that enrich U.S. classrooms, and with the right guidance, they can turn challenges into strengths. Organizations like Talzent provide essential support to help educators adapt, thrive, and make a lasting impact in their new teaching environments.

Ready to begin your teaching journey in the US? Apply here: https://app.talzent.com/account/signup