The "BET" Story

As I sat in my classroom, surrounded by the familiar hum of students engaged in their work, I couldn't shake the feeling of frustration that had been building within me. The disparity between the United States education system and those of other countries weighed heavily on my mind. Why do so many American schools struggle to provide quality education? Then it hit me: the root of the problem was the lack of licensed, qualified and effective teachers in the classroom.

 

Across the nation, schools are resorting to hiring long-term substitutes who often lacked the necessary skills and knowledge in their content areas. This reality is not just disappointing; it is detrimental to our children’s future. I firmly believe that education is the key to a fruitful life, a belief that was instilled in me during my upbringing in the Philippines, where access to education was a privilege, not a right. I witnessed firsthand how education could be a way out of poverty, a beacon of hope for many.

 

Over the twelve years I had spent in education, I encountered countless inspiring teachers who shared my passion for learning and growth. Among them were J1 teachers—dedicated individuals who left their homes and families behind to teach in the U.S. They took on positions that schools struggled to fill, driven by a desire to make a difference while supporting their loved ones back home. Their stories were often bittersweet, filled with sacrifice and hope, and they resonated deeply with me.

 

Getting to know these J1 teachers, I was moved by their resilience and determination. They came from diverse backgrounds, each with unique experiences and challenges. Their motivations were not only to pursue their dreams but also to uplift their families and communities. I realized that if we could harness this passion and commitment, we could begin to strengthen the education system in the U.S.

 

This realization sparked a fire within me, leading to the creation of Bringing Educators Together (BET). My first vision for BET was clear: to support Filipino teachers in improving their livelihoods while simultaneously enhancing student success in American classrooms. BET would not merely be a recruitment agency; it would serve as a home away from home for compassionate educators seeking to change their lives while making a significant impact on the education system.

 

Through BET, I aimed to provide a platform where dedicated teachers could share their experiences, receive mentorship, and access resources that would empower them in their new roles. I envisioned a community where we could collaborate with school districts to ensure that every teacher placed in a classroom are not only qualified but also passionate about fostering a love for learning among students.

 

As I embarked on this journey, I felt a sense of excitement and purpose. I knew that by bringing together caring individuals who shared the same mission and vision, we could create a ripple effect of positive change in the education system. With each teacher we supported, we could help shape a brighter future for all students.

 

I eagerly anticipated the challenges and successes that lay ahead. Together, we can strengthen the teacher pipeline, promote diversity in education, and ultimately provide our students with the best possible educational journey. I can't wait to see where this journey would take me, and I hoped to continue finding wonderful, caring people who were equally committed to transforming education for the better.

 

BET is not just about filling classrooms with teachers; it is about creating a movement—one that embraced diversity, nurtured talent, and believed in the transformative power of education. Together, we would change lives, one student at a time. BET on that!

​

Richard Mercado

​