A world of difference: District 191’s Filipino teachers are enriching classrooms and community

When District 191 welcomed its first group of Filipino educators last year, it marked the beginning of a partnership that would fill critical staffing needs and bring cultural richness to classrooms across the district.

For Director of Student Support Services Amy Piotrowski, the idea began as a practical solution to a growing challenge: finding qualified special education teachers.

“In special education, we were struggling to find teachers, especially after COVID,” Piotrowski said. “We needed experienced educators, and through our collaboration with Intermediate Districts 917 and 288, we learned about PhilAm, an organization that helps connect Filipino teachers with school districts.”

The partnership offered more than staffing support. “We also wanted to hire teachers who reflect our students,” Piotrowski said. “It was a win-win — experienced educators who share our commitment to students and a chance to bring more diversity and cultural perspective into our schools.”

Building Bridges and a Home

In the first year, Burnsville welcomed nine Filipino special education teachers. This year, that number has grown to 11. As Piotrowski recalls, helping teachers settle in was truly a community effort.

“These teachers arrive with little more than suitcases,” she said. “They don’t have furniture or kitchen supplies or even towels. We reached out to our community and the response was incredible. People donated everything from couches to pots and pans. It was really about setting them up for success.”

From preparing for winter in Minnesota to securing housing and opening bank accounts, every step was thoughtfully planned. The district mapped out each task, from arrival and onboarding to classroom setup, so teachers had both logistical and emotional support.

“When they arrive, they want to be here,” Piotrowski said. “They’ve worked so hard to get here, and seeing their excitement and their families joining them is so rewarding. They’ve become part of our family.”

Living Their Calling

Among the first recruits were Dave and Edevie Maravillas, a husband-and-wife teaching team whose warmth and positivity have quickly made them beloved members of the One91 community.

“When I was applying, I told myself, ‘Whichever district hires me first, that’s where I’ll go,’” Dave said with a laugh. “Burnsville was the first to say yes, and it turned out to be the best choice I could have made.”

Edevie said the couple did their research before moving. “I searched YouTube because I wanted to find a place that was livable, diverse, and welcoming,” she said. “Minnesota may be cold, but the people here keep us warm.”

Their warm welcome began the moment they landed at the airport, where Piotrowski and ECSE supervisor Kristi Wanzek were waiting to greet them. “We were so surprised,” Edevie said. “Our directors themselves were waiting for us and had already pulled our luggage from the carousel. That’s not something we had ever experienced before. It made us feel so valued from day one.”

Now well into their second year, Dave and Edevie say the district feels like home. “We consider One91 a family, not just an employer,” Edevie said. “We live to teach — not just to earn a living, but because it’s our calling.”

Lessons and Connections

For the Maravillases, the experience has deepened their purpose as educators and broadened their understanding of inclusive education. “Working in District 191 has taught us so much,” Dave said. “When we arrived, our supervisors, principal and colleagues were so welcoming. They told us to ask any questions, and that made it easy for us to learn.”

Edevie added that the district’s mission, “Each Student. Future Ready. Community Strong.” perfectly aligns with their philosophy. “We just don’t teach to live; we live to teach,” she said. “That’s our purpose.”

Both teachers said the resources and professional support available in District 191 have been eye-opening. “In the Philippines, we might have 30 or 40 students in a class with one teacher,” Edevie said. “Here, we have individualized education plans, access to technology, and support from specialists. It’s inspiring to see how much collaboration goes into helping each child succeed.”

Even with those differences, they continue to find strength in their cultural values. “Filipino families teach their children to respect teachers and to value education,” Edevie said. “That’s something we carry with us and share with our students here.”

Growing Together

Adjusting to life and work in a new country hasn’t been without challenges. “We were told by some other Filipino teachers there’s no paperwork in America — but we found out that meant no paper, just digital paperwork,” Dave said, laughing. “There’s a lot to learn when it comes to technology and documentation.”

Edevie agreed that mastering new systems and communication styles took time. “English is our second language, but there are differences in how we speak and write it,” she said. “At first, I wrote scripts for meetings with parents to make sure I was saying things clearly. Over time, it became natural.”

Through it all, the couple said they’ve grown both personally and professionally. “In America, I’ve really learned that time is gold,” Edevie said. “I’ve become better at managing time, respecting others’ time, and giving my best in everything I do.”

A Melting Pot of Learning and Love

The Maravillases say that one of the most powerful parts of this experience has been connecting with students across cultures.

“One of my students didn’t speak English and was very shy,” Edevie said. “When he held my hand for the first time, I knew he trusted me. Sometimes it’s that simple, seeing someone who looks like you makes a difference.”

For Piotrowski, those moments reflect the heart of the program. “They bring joy and perspective that uplift everyone,” she said. “Even on my hardest days, I can walk into one of their classrooms and walk out smiling.”

Think Globally, Act Locally

When asked what message they hope to share with families and the community, Edevie put it simply: “Think globally but act locally. Be open-minded and reach out to others. Our differences shouldn’t divide us — they should help us grow together.”

For District 191, that philosophy is at the center of this international partnership. What began as a means to fill critical teaching positions has evolved into something far more meaningful: a story of shared learning, cultural exchange, and belonging.

As Piotrowski reflected, “This program has been one of the best experiences we’ve ever had. It’s not just about filling jobs — it’s about building relationships and creating a stronger, more connected community.”