As one of six educators on the teacher-mentor team that visited the Dominican from July 20 to July 27, Brian Head is bringing a new perspective back to Pickering's Valley Farm Public School this September.

Although he still has much reflecting to do about the trip, he'll try to convey two things through the slides and pictures he'll present: how blessed Canadians are, and those who have can do more for those who don't.

"It was exceptional," Mr. Head said of the trip. "I look forward to going back."

Mr. Head and other members of the Teacher Mentors Abroad trip worked with 13 Dominican Republic educators who hosted workshops for about 120 local teachers on topics including classroom management, teacher motivation, graphic organization, math, and visuals in the classrooms.

The workshops were held inside the school, which he describes as "rustic" - just four concrete walls and classrooms a third the size of a typical Canadian classroom.

"For what they didn't have, they have in heart and desire to be great educators," Mr. Head said.

Although he's been to Cuba before, he stayed on a resort previously. This is the first time he's been to a country and actually lived among the people.

"That was an eye opener," he said.

People didn't have lots of possessions, but were happy despite daily blackouts and houses surrounded by metal and concrete fences to keep others off their properties.

While there, Mr. Head looked out the window and saw a young girl squatting in the dirt to brush her teeth with water from an outdoor pipe. He found himself wondering why a government wouldn't put more emphasis on education.

It's nice to be able to open the front door and walk out without having to worry about squatters setting up in the backyard or making sure padlocks are in place, he said.

"I love the fact I can turn on the tap and brush my teeth without worrying about getting a parasite," Mr. Head said.

At home, he's already telling his kids not to complain -- go to the Dominican and then they'll be grateful for what they have.

"I think people need that experience," he said.

Everyone also has a way of making money, be it through a sandwich shop, scrap dealing, or small stores set up on the side of the road.

Everything there was done by hand. Repairs to the school's roof were made using concrete mixed and brought up by rope in five gallon pails.

"They just work, that's just how life is," he said.

Instead of sending homework with kids vacationing to places such as Mexico, he's told parents to take them off the resort and get them to write about the experience. Now he has seen such things for himself and received the understanding he wanted his students to get.

"I understand from the people there the profound generosity of spirit," Mr. Head said.

He plans on returning to the country through the program during March break or next summer.