Her Story
About Angie
Angie Cruz serves as a high school Spanish teacher and international teacher advisor in Washington D.C With nearly 11 years of experience in education, she teaches Spanish and English while also supporting international teachers seeking opportunities in the United States by guiding them through application processes and fostering cultural exchange. Originally from a rural area in Latin America, Cruz moved to a big city to pursue her education, earning a college degree and a master's degree, and she continues to prioritize lifelong learning. She came to the United States as an au pair then as an international language teacher she success to never giving up despite challenges, taking risks, and preparing mentally to step outside her comfort zone. In addition to her teaching role, Cruz has contributed to school magazines and newspapers, helped launch a podcast on international teaching experiences, and plans to expand her reach through blogs and a YouTube channel in the coming years. She emphasizes respect for cultural backgrounds, honesty, responsibility, and teamwork as core values in both her professional and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Angie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I never give it up, no matter how difficult. I have been traveling and came to the United States to work in a rural area, remote place. It's part of the process that things are going to be hard, but even if you get out from the comfort zone, you know that things are not going to be easy, but you have to prepare for that. Take the risk.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I consider that build relationships in order to communicate and work like a team to meet the expectations and offer the best service possible.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I put me as an example, because I come from a rural area, from Latin America, a small [town]. And then I moved to a big city, and then I did my career. I started college, I did my master's, and I always keep studying. I never stop about studying. I'm always in the mood to learn. There is no limit in the life to go to college, to study. Nothing is impossible.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges as an international educator first are the cultural adaptation, language barriers, frequent transitions and managing diverse of classroom and professional identity and career progression.
About the biggest opportunities are global perspective, professional growth, leadership opportunities, building a global network, and enjoy the new opportunities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I always tell my friends, my students, the people that I always respect. Respect cultural background, and being honest and responsible. When you take something, just take the responsibility and do it, and also respect is the only thing. If you care and you respect, things are gonna work. Work like a team, and respect everybody, no matter where they come from.
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