Wilmer Granados

Meet Wilmer Granados from El Salvador.

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Wilmer recently participated in the Teacher Summit at Stanford and shares his experience below.

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1. What has been your most memorable cultural experience so far?

My most memorable cultural experience has been participating in the Teacher Summit at Stanford. Walking into a room full of passionate educators from around the country, I immediately felt the energy of shared purpose. We exchanged not only teaching strategies, but also the stories and cultural traditions that shape our classrooms. I had the chance to present my own experiences teaching the Language of Math to newcomer students, and hearing how colleagues from other countries adapt similar challenges to their own contexts was incredibly inspiring. The mix of innovation, collaboration, and cultural exchange reminded me why I chose this profession in the first place. It wasn’t just a summit—it was a celebration of what education can achieve when we learn from one another without borders.

2. What was the best thing you learned at the summit?

At the summit, I learned innovative strategies for integrating language acquisition with content instruction, especially in math. I discovered how technology and AI tools can support multilingual learners by making math concepts more accessible and culturally relevant.

3. Do you have tips for your fellow J-1 teachers?

Yes—fully embrace the cultural exchange experience. Engage in local events, share your own culture, and build strong connections with colleagues and the community. Stay flexible, open-minded, and proactive in seeking professional growth opportunities.

4. How can other teachers participate in this program?

Teachers can participate in the EduNLP Lab at Stanford by applying to join their research initiatives, especially if they’re interested in language, education, and technology. The Lab often collaborates with educators to test new tools, gather classroom insights, and co-develop resources. I recommend checking their website for open calls, signing up for updates, and reaching out to express interest in contributing from a practitioner’s perspective.

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