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Six international teachers are working alongside and observing CHS educators in the classroom

CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (March 6, 2026) – Through a relationship with UMass Lowell, Chelmsford Public Schools is once again hosting several Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) Fellows.

Fulbright TEA brings international, secondary-level teachers to the United States for a six-week program.

The Fellows take academic seminars for professional development at a host university. They also observe classrooms, create lessons and share their expertise with teachers and students at the host university and at local secondary schools.

This year, there are 21 Fulbright TEA Fellows in the Merrimack Valley region; Chelmsford High School is hosting six of them, hailing from Armenia, India, Iraq, Kenya, Nigeria and Slovakia.

“It’s a great opportunity,” said Assistant Superintendent Linda Hirsch. “They are the best and the brightest in their countries coming here and giving our students that experience, as well as receiving the experience of what it’s like to teach in an American school.”

Dr. Matthew Beyranevand, a faculty member in the Mathematics & Statistics department at UMass Lowell, serves as a liaison working with the teachers and schools to support the TEA program.

“This is a program that has been running for eight years, and Chelmsford has consistently been one of our biggest and best supporters,” he said. “We really value this relationship that has been built with the Chelmsford schools as it has always been a very strong partner.”

On Feb. 24, all 21 of the fellows attended the Chelmsford School Committee meeting to observe a government meeting; those who have been assigned to Chelmsford High School shared their experiences working in American schools.

Oluwabanke Adewusi from Nigeria is working alongside Peter Zopes at CHS, said her time in the district has been quite enlightening.

“I saw first-hand Mr. Zopes demonstrate student-centered instruction, there was differentiation and inclusivity,” she said. “I really enjoyed seeing that in practice against theory.”

Zuzana Polonyova teaches English and literature at a secondary grammar school in Slovakia; she is co-teaching with Veronica Gadbois at CHS.

“I really admire the way she conducts her lessons; I think it’s very engaging and the students are curious and they love it,” she said. “You have great facilities, it’s a well-equipped school, your teachers are really distinguished and well-prepared and I can only say positive things.”

Haykanush Harutyunyan, who teaches English as a Second Language in Armenia has been partnered with Jessica Ferronetti at CHS.

“I have observed many classes, and I can say that I admire the inclusivity and engagement of each class,” she said. “The students are really respectful and they are really confident. … It is truly a valuable experience for me.”

Saya Kamal, who is a high school biology teacher and curriculum coordinator at an international school in Iraq, as well as a senior project assistant with the United Nations, is working with Michelle Kender at CHS.

“This opportunity adds value and helps me to go back and contribute effectively, in both our international schools and the United Nations,” she said. “This experience will help me to fulfill the gaps that we have with smart techniques, as well as with special education facilities and requirements for children with special needs.”

Elly Khamonywa Opio of Kenya, who is co-teaching with Linda Tanini, said he has really enjoyed being in the district.

“I have discovered that, indeed, learning belongs to the learner,” he said.

Neel Kamal Mishra from India, said he has had a really wonderful experience teaching alongside Brian Acheson.

“The method he was using in the classes was a really nice experience for me,” he said, acknowledging the use of technology and adherence to safety protocols in the labs. “At every moment, at every minute in the Chelmsford Schools, I learned a lot of new information that is definitely going to help me.”

About Chelmsford Public Schools

The Chelmsford Public School District provides all students with multiple pathways to optimize their own potential for academic excellence, leadership, and social and emotional wellness. The mission of the Chelmsford Public Schools is to educate, engage, prepare, and empower well-rounded and knowledgeable learners to PERSEVERE through challenges, demonstrate RESPECT and INTEGRITY in their words and actions, are DEDICATED to their community, and display EMPATHY as global citizens while discovering and pursuing their full potential. This PRIDE-driven culture enables all members of the school community to support the growth and development of students. For more information, please visit www.chelmsfordschools.org.