For Camilla Walsh-Reynolds, teaching has never been just a profession—it’s a calling. With over 26 years of experience in education, she has dedicated her life to shaping young minds. But now, her classroom extends beyond Jamaica’s borders.
In a bold career move, Walsh-Reynolds joined Participate Learning, an international teaching programme that places educators from around the world in schools across the United States. Now based in Cumberland County, North Carolina, she is on a mission to bring Jamaican excellence to a new generation of students.
“Education is a global experience,” she explains. “I wanted to challenge myself, learn new teaching techniques, and share my culture in a meaningful way.”
A New Chapter in a Storied Career
Before moving to the U.S., Walsh-Reynolds made a name for herself as an educator and leader in Spanish Town, where she taught at institutions like St Jago Cathedral Preparatory and Spanish Town Primary. She later served as principal at Valley Christian Ministries Preparatory and Bois Content Primary and Infant schools.
Despite her extensive experience, she felt drawn to new challenges—ones that would expand her professional skill set while allowing her to share her passion for teaching on an international stage.
Through Participate Learning, she found the perfect opportunity. The programme not only connects experienced educators with American classrooms but also promotes cultural exchange, enabling students to gain a broader worldview.
Bringing Jamaica to the Classroom
One of Walsh-Reynolds’ biggest priorities has been infusing Jamaican culture into her lessons. She incorporates elements of Caribbean storytelling, music, and history, allowing students to see the world from a different perspective.
“The more students understand different cultures, the more they learn about themselves and others,” she says.
She has introduced her students to Jamaican folktales, used reggae rhythms in phonics lessons, and even celebrated Jamaican Independence Day with her class. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with students eager to learn more about her home country.
Challenges and Rewards of Teaching Abroad
Despite the excitement of teaching in a new country, the transition wasn’t without its challenges. Walsh-Reynolds had to adjust to different classroom dynamics, new educational policies, and the use of advanced technology in daily lessons.
“Teaching fundamentals remain the same, but the U.S. system offers more resources, structured mentorship, and access to cutting-edge technology,” she explains.
Smaller class sizes and data-driven teaching methods have also been a significant adjustment, allowing her to track student progress in real-time and tailor lessons to individual learning needs.
Participate Learning has been instrumental in her transition, offering support in housing, transportation, and visa assistance. “They ensure teachers have the resources they need to succeed,” she notes.
A Vision for the Future
While she is making an impact in the United States, Walsh-Reynolds is already thinking about the future—specifically, how she can bring these experiences back to Jamaica.
She is particularly interested in implementing small group instruction, a method that allows teachers to work closely with students who need additional support.
“This approach ensures that no student gets left behind,” she says. “It’s something I’m eager to introduce in Jamaican classrooms.”
Beyond teaching strategies, she hopes to work alongside Jamaica’s Ministry of Education to help shape national policies that improve student engagement and teacher training.
Encouraging Other Educators to Take the Leap
For Jamaican teachers considering international opportunities, Walsh-Reynolds has one piece of advice: go for it.
“Teaching abroad opens doors you never knew existed. It challenges you, broadens your perspective, and makes you a better educator.”
Through her journey, she has proven that education is not confined to a single classroom or country—it is a universal language that connects people, cultures, and ideas across the globe.
