SPECIAL REPORT: Central Coast school district recruits teachers overseas

This month, Rhea Layosa , began her new life. After an over 7,000 mile journey, she is finally settling into her new job with the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District ( MPUSD ). ” My being here is heaven sent, ” said Layosa .

Layosa has lived in the Phillipines all her life, but this year she starts a new chapter in Marina. MPUSD has hired her as a special education teacher at Los Arboles Middle School. ” I think it’s all about mindset. I know of teachers who are not open to teaching kids with special needs, ” said Leyosa .

The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District said the lack of interest from teachers in the United States is something they have experienced first hand. Math and special education teachers are positions the District’s Assistant Superintendent Dr. Manny Nuñez , said they have struggled with. “Over the past few years we’ve had a hard time filling the special education vacancies. Last year we had long-term subs and retired teachers in several schools, ” said Nuñez .

Nuñez adds that cost of living plays a role in the district’s lack of candidates. On top of that, a shortage of teachers nationally hasn’t helped their case. Nuñez said in the Philippines it’s a different story. “The Monterey County Office of Education had some success maybe 20 years ago. We started exploring that. We said, let’s go look at what the Philippines has to offer, ” said Nuñez .

For the first time in 15 years, district officials flew across the Pacific Ocean to find qualified teachers to lead their classrooms. Kindergarten special education teacher, Melanie Tanseco , made the trip with them. Over a decade ago, she was hired while living in the Phillipines . This year, she is paying it forward. “It was amazing to see how many teachers really wanted to work here to have a better life. To make a difference for themselves and for their families, ” said Tanseco .

Tanseco admitted that the new teachers will face challenges. Differences in cultures and curriculum are elements Layosa said she is still adjusting to. “Every day you can learn something. I learn from my students and from the experience of teaching. I also have a lot to learn from my colleagues, ” said Layosa .

While Layosa said the Phillipines will always be home, Marina is a place she can see herself long-term. She said her students make it all worth it. “I really hope I’ll still be here in five years time. I wish that more of my fellow Filipinos would be able to experience this, ” said Layosa .