Teaching Abroad, Josh Gaston Learns to Navigate Cultural Divides

Teaching Abroad, Josh Gaston Learns to Navigate Cultural Divides

Author: Teacher Stories July 28, 2020 Duration: 51:35
Unsure what to do with his life, Josh Gaston decides to become a teacher of English -- first in Asia and then in other countries around the world. His stories are about navigating the striking, but sometimes subtle, differences in local teaching practices and cultural norms. In Korea, for instance, where students were accustomed to lectures, he had to figure out how to get students to work in small groups. In Uzbekistan, he wanted to give a voice to his female students, but his male students tended to dominate class discussions. He had to walk a fine line because his superiors warned him not to question local norms regarding gender. Josh has no regrets about his career choice and encourages others to consider teaching abroad. But, he says, "Be prepared to have your world shaken a little."

Behind every person who learns, there is someone who taught them. Teacher Stories is a quiet space dedicated entirely to those someones. This podcast moves beyond the general appreciation for educators to share the specific, often overlooked moments that define a life in the classroom. Each episode features a different voice-sometimes a teacher recounting a breakthrough or a challenge, other times a former student sharing how an educator’s influence quietly shaped their path years later. You’ll hear the unscripted reality of the profession: the small victories that happen off the report card, the frustrations that never make it to a staff meeting, and the profound connections that form in the most unexpected ways. By listening to these personal narratives, we get a clearer, more human picture of the immense role teachers play in stitching the fabric of our communities together. The stories collected here are a testament to the lasting impact of a single dedicated individual. Tune in for a genuine, heartfelt exploration of education from the inside out, one story at a time. This podcast is an ongoing conversation about why these personal histories matter, inviting everyone to reflect on the educators who left a mark on their own lives.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 71

Teacher Stories
Podcast Episodes
Lisa Godwin shares a story that she had kept secret for 20 years [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:06
Lisa Godwin waited 20 years before telling anyone about a traumatic childhood experience. She credits a first grade teacher and a guidance counselor for helping her cope and eventually overcome this painful episode in he…
Teaching History Through Troubled Times [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:12
An unexpected letter from one of her students reminds Tracy Barnett that her approach to teaching history, at least for this 8th grade student, has paid off. The student said she acquired a keen new interest in history a…
Victor Rios' Teacher Saved His Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:39
At age 14, Victor Rios' best friend is shot and killed. Afterwards, Victor thought, "I am going to end up dead like him or in prison for life." But Victor turns his life around after having a high school technology teach…
Never Again Will Kathryn Isaacs use the Phrase 'Merely a Teacher' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:44
When Kathryn Isaacs was in 8th grade she proudly read an essay aloud in class, comparing her very demanding teacher, Mr. Del Rossi, to the Wizard of Oz. At the end of her essay, she describes him as "merely a language te…
Award-Winning Filmmaker Pays Tribute to his High School Drama Teacher [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:10
Mike Barnard's first high school theatre audition was a disaster, but he finds the courage to try again and lands a part in another production. With the support of his drama teacher, Jim Lund, Mike develops confidence an…