Hello, I am Ted Simukanga, and I was born in Zambia in 1976, in a place where the warmth of community and the rhythm of tradition shaped my earliest understanding of the world. My childhood was filled with the echoes of wisdom passed down through generations, where every child was raised not just by their parents but by an entire village. Little did I know then that this deep-rooted sense of community would become the cornerstone of my teaching philosophy—one that would carry me across continents, classrooms, and cultures.
My education journey officially began at the University of Zambia, where I studied Biology and Chemistry. But my real education—the one that would shape the kind of teacher I would become—started when I stepped beyond Zambia’s borders. In 2001, degree in hand, I packed my bags and ventured into international teaching. Since then, I have taught in Myanmar, South Korea, South Africa, and Mozambique, each experience adding layers to my global perspective. Today, I find myself in Japan, where every day presents a unique interplay of cultures, learning, and self-discovery.
The Classroom as a Cultural Mosaic
At my current school, we follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, but the influence of an American educational framework is ever-present. Yet, when I look at my students, I see an intricate mosaic of backgrounds. Many come from bicultural homes, with one parent being Japanese and the other often American. These diverse perspectives don’t just exist in the classroom—they shape it. Conversations bounce between languages, and lessons naturally weave together multiple cultural narratives, making every discussion richer and every perspective more nuanced.
One of the most meaningful aspects of my role is coordinating the MYP Personal Project, a student-led inquiry where young minds explore their identities, interests, and aspirations. In these projects, students bring their full selves to the table—blending personal experiences, cultural heritage, and academic curiosity. Each year, this journey culminates in an exhibition where students present their work to parents, peers, and the broader school community. It’s a moment of pride, not just for them but for me as well, as I see the beauty of self-expression and cultural storytelling unfold in real time.
Finding Familiarity in a Foreign Land
Beyond the classroom, living in Japan has been a masterclass in cultural appreciation. Though thousands of miles from Zambia, I often find myself marveling at the subtle echoes of home in Japanese traditions.
Take bowing, for example. In Zambia, respect for elders and community members is deeply ingrained; greetings come with gestures of deference—lowered voices, careful phrasing, and an unspoken acknowledgment of wisdom. In Japan, bowing carries similar weight, a quiet yet powerful expression of respect and gratitude.
Even daily practices—like silence on public transport or meticulous waste sorting—reflect an inherent consideration for others, a value that resonates deeply with me. I’ve learned to navigate these customs with appreciation, carrying my empty bottles home after buying a drink from a kombini (24/7 shop), ensuring my presence in shared spaces is as unobtrusive as possible. These cultural nuances, while different from Zambia’s, align with the same principles of mindfulness, respect, and collective responsibility.
The Ikigai That Guides My Teaching
One of the most profound philosophies I’ve encountered in Japan is ikigai—a concept that translates to "reason for being." It’s the delicate balance of four elements: what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. When all these align, fulfillment follows.
Teaching, for me, has always been my ikigai. It is where my love for knowledge, my skill in guiding students, my desire to contribute to the world, and my livelihood intersect. More importantly, it’s the philosophy I try to instill in my students: What sets your soul on fire? What impact do you want to make? How can your passion shape the world?
As I stand at this crossroads of cultures—between the rigor of American education, the traditions of Japan, and the values of my Zambian upbringing—I see how each has molded me. I see how cultural exchange fuels transformation, both for my students and for myself.
Building a Future Rooted in Cultural Understanding
In Zambia, we say, “It takes a village to raise a child.” That belief in collective responsibility is what drives my work. In every school I’ve taught in every culture I’ve immersed myself in, I have found that the best education is never an individual pursuit—it is a collaboration between teachers, students, and families. It is a shared commitment to creating spaces where every student feels valued, seen, and empowered.
This philosophy aligns seamlessly with CultureSchool’s mission, which champions inclusion across all realms in education. As we continue to foster global-minded classrooms, we are not just teaching subjects; we are nurturing empathy, critical thinking, and cross-cultural respect.
Reflecting on my journey—from the heart of Zambia to the classrooms of Japan—I see the power of cultural exchange in every lesson, every student’s story, and every moment of connection. And as I look ahead, I invite fellow educators, students, and cultural enthusiasts to join me in this journey.
Together, we can create classrooms where every culture has a voice, every story finds a place, and every student is empowered to discover their own ikigai.
Ted Simukanga