Understanding culture – Broadening perspectives

Shaped by experiences in multicultural environments, Mr. James Uvally brings his appreciation for the unique identities of different cultures into the classroom, inspiring #HomeOfTheEagles to better understand the world and embrace diverse perspectives.

From international experiences to a teaching journey in Vietnam

Growing up in Southern California, home to a large Vietnamese community, Mr. James Uvally was exposed to diverse cultures from an early age. His passion for exploring the world continued throughout his university years, when he began dreaming of traveling abroad and sharing his knowledge with students.

That dream was temporarily put on hold when he pursued a career in business at Razer, a multinational technology company. There, he worked with international partners, from the President of Nintendo Canada to distributors in Brazil. These experiences helped him recognize the importance of cultural understanding in international communication and collaboration, laying the foundation for his future teaching philosophy.

“Working with people from different countries taught me that professional knowledge alone is sometimes not enough to build meaningful connections. Understanding others’ history, culture, and backgrounds can make a significant difference in how we communicate, collaborate, and approach different perspectives with an open mind.”

In 2017, he first arrived in Vietnam during the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday. The trip sparked his curiosity and inspired him to learn more about the Vietnamese people and culture. Six months later, he returned to Vietnam and began his teaching journey here, where he could bring together his passion for exploring different cultures and his desire to share knowledge with students.

Social Studies – Learning culture from the roots

As a Social Studies teacher, Mr. James emphasizes students’ ability to ask questions, analyze sources, examine evidence, and explore different interpretations of the same issue.

“I want my students to understand why an event happened rather than simply memorize what happened. By exploring historical contexts, examining evidence, and considering different interpretations, they can develop a deeper understanding and gradually form their own perspectives. To me, what matters is not only finding answers but also learning to ask meaningful questions and explain the reasoning behind their ideas.”

Alongside critical thinking, he encourages students to think and approach problems in English, from analyzing information and organizing ideas to developing and defending their own perspectives. Expressing their thoughts helps students structure their ideas more clearly, share their opinions with confidence, and respect differing viewpoints. These are valuable skills that extend far beyond the boundaries of a single subject.

Preparing students for a horizon of possibilities

Drawing on his experience in international environments, Mr. James understands that the ability to analyze information, communicate effectively, and appreciate cultural differences is valuable across many aspects of life. These are also the competencies he hopes his students will develop through every Social Studies lesson.

“I hope my students can apply what they learn in the classroom to their lives, wherever they choose to study or work in the future. I want them to stay curious, remain open to new perspectives, and never stop asking questions. By thinking independently and embracing differences, they will be better equipped to connect with others and explore the world with confidence.”

Through stories of history, people, and cultures, Mr. James hopes to help our #HomeOfTheEagles not only broaden their knowledge but also develop independent thinking, open-mindedness, and the ability to approach issues from multiple perspectives. These essential qualities will empower them to confidently embrace the future and define their own horizons.

Stay tuned for more PENN Educators’ Voices stories as we explore the educational journeys, teaching philosophies, and inspirations of our dedicated teachers at PennSchool!