What I learned was that kids are kids, no matter where you go. They might have different names and talk with an accent, but for the most part they have the same fears and desires.

In the strongest school districts there is stiff competition for teaching positions. Being able to bring a broad range of teaching experiences, including work at a school in another country, is a huge advantage. Not to mention, the broader the experiences he or she has, the more dynamic, interesting and fun his or her classroom is going to be.

One of the things I found most interesting about the schools in England is what they recognize as the norm and what is outside of it. For example, students in public schools pray together every morning - it's just assumed. However, when I asked if there was any national creed or pledge that was recited, my cooperating teacher explained that to them, a sense of love to one's country is something considered a private, personal choice. It's the total opposite of the ideology in our schools here.

It makes you tear up a bit just to see that the kids can do something for you. There's one resident who knew that I did not have breakfast, lunch or dinner yesterday. At 10 at night, she was shoving crackers in my pocket telling me to keep my strength up as we were walking through here. I made her take them back, but they try and give back as well too.

Our players and staff learn more than the kids do.

The only way you can sell 10 million Britney Spears records is to convince kids that it's something they need to have as part of their identity. It's not about the music at that point,