Career Opportuntines in the USA

 

Our partnership with Pansophic learning means that we have links with schools around the world. We have taken advantage of this connection to schools located in the United States of America and this allows us to offer some unique opportunities to Aurora employees.

 

Case study: Strengthening career development through international partnership

Aurora Academies Trust and Pansophic Learning: Teacher Exchange Programme

In 2025, Aurora Academies Trust celebrated the strength of its international partnership with Pansophic Learning through a unique teacher exchange programme. Seven colleagues from Banning Lewis Ranch Academy in Colorado, USA, travelled to the UK to spend a week embedded in Aurora schools, while seven Aurora staff members later journeyed to Colorado Springs to experience American education in practice.

Sharing best practice across borders

During their visit to Aurora, the American colleagues were welcomed at City Academy Whitehawk and The Gatwick School. They observed lessons, engaged in rich discussions with school leaders about pedagogy and organisation and spent time with pupils. Evenings offered opportunities to experience the cultural vibrancy of Brighton, Lewes and London, deepening the exchange beyond the classroom.

The return visit to Colorado allowed Aurora staff to see firsthand how their partners in Banning Lewis Ranch Academy and District 49 schools create a positive and affirming school culture. Teachers noted the deliberate focus on building strong relationships and fostering a sense of belonging, with pupils visibly proud of their involvement in extracurricular activities, sports and creative projects.

Inspiration and lasting impact

Aurora staff returned inspired by Colorado’s emphasis on:

• Positive affirmation: the embedding of practices that nurture confidence and belonging.
• Pupil voice and creativity: from large-scale artwork to a culture that celebrates pupil-led contributions.
• Community partnerships: learning from a safety and security specialist about the value of relationships between schools, pupils and local authorities.

Alongside classroom learning, staff immersed themselves in local culture, from hiking the Manitou Incline and riding the cog railway to Pike’s Peak, to enjoying the uniquely American game of Whirlyball (somehow a combination of bumper cars, lacrosse and basketball!). These shared experiences helped to forge enduring professional and personal connections.

Building for the future

The exchange has not ended with the visits. Staff from Aurora and Colorado remain in touch and are now exploring remote collaboration on pedagogy, shared professional development and even future staff placements abroad. This ongoing partnership will continue to enrich teaching practice across both trusts.

The role of Pansophic Learning

Aurora’s international reach is made possible through its partnership with Pansophic Learning, whose global network connects schools across continents. This collaboration has enabled Aurora teachers to broaden their horizons, bring fresh ideas into classrooms and ultimately enhance the learning experiences of pupils.

Conclusion

The teacher exchange was more than a professional development opportunity – it created lifelong memories, strengthened international ties and delivered direct benefits for pupils. By working with Pansophic, Aurora Academies Trust is building a culture of openness, innovation and global learning that will continue to shape its schools for years to come.