Derby Faculty Visit Malawi

During their two weeks at Malawi Children's Mission (MCM), Derby teachers Casey Overton, Alison Moore, and Derelyn Kahler worked alongside dedicated educators and taught students in Standards 2 and 3 through a shared teaching and learning experience. The Global Classroom program is a partnership between Derby and MCM focused on strengthening instructional practices, modeling student-centered learning, and fostering cross-cultural exchange. The purpose of the trip was to support professional development for teachers at MCM while also deepening Derby teachers’ understanding of teaching in different cultural contexts.

A newly established faculty travel grant made this year’s faculty travel possible, opening the door to meaningful professional growth and inspiration. This is just one example of how philanthropy enriches our school community, supporting opportunities that deepen learning and strengthen connections—both on campus and beyond.

While in Malawi, our teachers were deeply inspired by the creativity and adaptability of the teachers, as well as the students’ genuine enthusiasm for learning. Casey shares, “I came to appreciate the power of simplicity—how hands-on, reflective, and relationship-centered teaching can have a lasting impact, even in classrooms with limited resources. This experience reminded me that effective instruction isn’t defined by the newest technology or the most polished tools, but by strong connections, thoughtful questioning, and creating space for meaningful engagement between students and teachers.”

One of the most impactful parts of the trip was the village visit, where our teachers had the chance to visit the homes of some of the families and caregivers from the school in Malawi. This experience gave a deeper understanding of what daily life looks like for students and families living in a rural setting with limited resources. Sitting and talking with families allowed our teachers to share stories, build empathy, and gain perspective on the strength and resilience present within the community and family units. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of connection, humility, and seeing students within the full context of their lives.

Outside of the classroom, our teachers also had time to explore the beauty of Malawi through several excursions. Visiting Game Haven, the Zomba Plateau, Majete Game Reserve, and the Satemwa Tea and Coffee Estate gave them a chance to appreciate the areas surrounding Blantyre. Driving to these places was always an experience: from the hustle and bustle of smoky towns to cyclists carrying heavy loads of charcoal along potholed roads, there was always something to look at and wonder. These experiences were great reminders of the personal and professional impact working and collaborating abroad can have on an individual.

Heading into the new school year at Derby, our teachers plan to carry these lessons forward by streamlining their practices, placing greater emphasis on student reflection, and incorporating the strategies and routines they explored while working with colleagues at MCM. Beyond the work that takes place in the physical classroom, our teachers are also excited to further strengthen our digital program, The Global Classroom, with a deeper, firsthand understanding of life and school at MCM.