“Landon Wood offers us just a great story of perseverance,” says Senior Associate Brian Lettinga. “He really wanted to go overseas; we got him to the Cambridge fair—no luck—but he just kept going and landed a job this past spring!” After several years teaching in the U.S. Midwest, Landon has now begun his first international teaching appointment at the American School Foundation of Monterrey, A.C. (ASFM) in Mexico.
Landon is quick to acknowledge the encouragement and practical support that made this transition possible, beginning with his partner, Caleb, who was able to relocate and continue working remotely with his company’s approval. For that flexibility, the couple is deeply grateful. The guidance Landon received at the Cambridge fair, combined with the welcoming support of his new school community, helped make what could have been an overwhelming life change feel manageable and affirming.
Relocating the family came with its own unique considerations—particularly when the family members include two French bulldogs. School representatives and Search Associates (SEARCH) team members at the Cambridge Fair helped ease Landon’s concerns by walking him through the logistics of relocating pets, including documentation, requirements, and country-specific import processes. Today, his entire household has been warmly embraced by the school and local community in Monterrey.
Living overseas has also been surprisingly enriching for Yabo and Papi. They’ve adapted well to a new environment, enjoy daily walks in a completely different climate, and have become little ambassadors of joy in my neighborhood. The community at my school has welcomed them with so much warmth, and the experience of relocating together has strengthened our little family in ways a stateside move never could.
Landon’s decision to pursue international teaching aligns closely with his broader professional goals, including his doctoral research and a long-term desire to make a meaningful institutional impact. He views his current role as a Grade 5 homeroom teacher as “an important steppingstone toward future leadership opportunities.”
“The dream wasn’t always education,” Landon reflects. He once imagined himself performing under Broadway lights. However, after experiencing the competitive nature of collegiate theatre, he pivoted to studying Spanish and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), not realizing at the time it would lead him into a classroom. That changed when one of his TESOL professors, Dr. Tammy Gregersen, recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue teaching. She became a mentor “whose guidance helped shape the teacher I am today,” he recalls.
Landon first learned about international education through colleagues and mentors who shared how teaching abroad can broaden perspectives, deepen cultural understanding, and open pathways into school leadership. As he explains:
This combination of professional growth, global experience, and the chance to contribute to a school community on a larger scale is what ultimately drew me to international teaching.
Landon’s job search began with advice from a former choir teacher who has spent a decade teaching in Dubai. She spoke highly of her experience using Search Associates (SEARCH) and recommended it as a trusted and comprehensive platform for navigating international recruitment. That guidance ultimately pointed Landon toward SEARCH as the best place to begin.
I explored several platforms on my own, but Search Associates ultimately proved to be the most comprehensive and reputable resource in helping me navigate the international job market.
Once registered, Landon used the SEARCH website daily, relying on customized alerts that filtered opportunities by role and region. This allowed him to stay focused and intentional throughout the process.
The information provided on each school’s profile was especially helpful—I relied on it constantly to gauge whether a school’s mission, culture, and expectations aligned with what I was looking for. Overall, the dashboard tools made it easy to stay organized and intentional throughout the process.
Attending the Search Cambridge Fair proved to be a defining moment. Beyond interviews, Landon formed meaningful professional connections and friendships—some of which ultimately led him to ASFM.
The fair made the entire job-search process feel straightforward and far less stressful than I expected. I genuinely can’t wait for the next opportunity, when I’m ready for a new chapter, to attend another Search Associates fair. It was truly unforgettable.
Before accepting his position at ASFM, Landon conducted extensive research on both the school and the region, including conversations with current teachers. Speaking with both local and expatriate educators provided invaluable insight into school culture, community life, and day-to-day realities—conversations that ultimately confirmed ASFM was the right fit.
Although this is Landon’s first year of teaching internationally, his prior experience as an English Language Learner (ELL) teacher strengthened his culturally responsive teaching practices and prepared him to support students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. His undergraduate study-abroad experiences and personal travel further shaped his global outlook and reinforced his readiness for international school life.
While the fundamentals of good teaching remain constant, Landon believes the international context offers a broader lens and richer opportunities for both professional and personal growth. Living and working in Monterrey has expanded his perspective—not only as an educator, but as a global citizen.
For educators considering a move into international schools, Landon encourages openness, curiosity, and thorough research—especially conversations with teachers already working abroad.
Use reputable platforms like Search Associates and take advantage of the tools they offer to stay organized and focused on positions that truly fit your goals. Most importantly, know your goals. When you’re clear about what you want professionally and personally, the right school and location will stand out.
Despite setbacks along the way, Landon Wood never let go of his goal. His journey only strengthened his resilience, making the move overseas all the more meaningful. His final reflection captures the essence of the international teaching experience:
Teaching overseas will stretch you, challenge you, and change you in ways that make you a stronger educator and a more global human being.
