At Denmark-Olar High School in South Carolina, International Night brought together students, staff, and community members to celebrate cultural diversity. Among the featured countries was Jamaica, represented by mathematics teacher Sophia Morgan.
Morgan, a Jamaican educator with nearly a decade of teaching experience in Jamaica, has spent the past several years teaching in the United States. During the event, she proudly showcased her heritage with music, dance, and traditional foods. The Jamaican display included performances of iconic dance moves like the “Willy Bounce,” “Log On,” “Give Dem ah Run,” “Bogle,” and “Ska.” Attendees enjoyed classic Jamaican dishes such as jerk chicken, jerk pork, and ackee and saltfish, while Morgan and her team dressed in the national colors of black, green, and gold, along with traditional Jamaican bandana wear.
Reflecting on her teaching journey in an interview, Morgan explained how her time in the U.S. helped her grow as an educator. “Working in America helped me refine my classroom approach. I learned how to support all types of learners and focus on student voices. The goal was to create a space where students feel safe and heard,” she said.
Morgan admitted the transition wasn’t always easy. “There were moments when I felt like my goals were out of reach, both personally and professionally,” she said. “But I’ve always been someone who pushes forward. That time helped me rethink my path and reminded me of why I started teaching in the first place.”
Her experience in both Jamaican and American classrooms has shaped her into a versatile teacher with a global perspective. As she prepared to head to New York to begin a new tour focused on cultural education, Morgan remained proud of her roots and the impact of sharing Jamaican culture with the world.
Photo – Instagram
