There are no more teachers
Intersections
In this mini-documentary series, six stories open a window into the complexities of Filipino identities taking shape as migrants and new citizens in the USA.
Mary Manda is one of many Filipinos contracted to solve the teacher shortage of rural America. But it is a short-term solution and her visa as an exchange teacher about to expire.
In Five Years, Mary Manda is seen taking her passion for teaching to the classrooms of Shelby, Montana, where she teaches Special Ed. The town pastor, the school principal, her fellow teachers, and the Montana community sing her praises. What happens if she has to leave?
“I had anxiety coming to the US. Maybe I’d experience discrimination. I could feel that I’m different. They have a different skin color. Our accent, as Filipino, is different. For those people saying I’m not qualified or I’m not deserving to be here — well, that’s their opinion.”
“They think I’m taking away their jobs. But I’m also helping, you know? I’m filling this teacher shortage here. If nobody will be in this position, nobody will help these kids.”
“I have a J1 visa. Our agency told us we could stay here only for five years. How are we going to help them if our contract will not be continued? If we are not given another visa?”
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Mary Manda, a special education teacher, came from the Philippines to Shelby, Missouri to fill the teaching shortage in rural America.