At the age of five, she arrived in the US as an immigrant child who did not speak the language and felt uncertain about a new world. But one figure remained in her memory forever: her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Howfield, who stood by her with patience and love, giving Kristi Jonuzi wings to soar into an unknown world. This early experience, which made her feel included and valued, would plant the seeds of a lifelong mission—to become an inspiring teacher herself.

Today, three decades after arriving in the US, Kristi is a regional teacher and trainer in Florida, with a successful career in elementary education and a special dedication to children in schools in needy communities. She is even ranked 14th on the list of “America’s Favorite Teacher.”

In an exclusive interview with Diaspora Shqiptare, she shares her story of immigration, her love for the profession, her preservation of the Albanian language, and her unbroken connection to Albanian culture.

•  Can you tell us a bit about your journey? What was it like arriving in the U.S. at such a young age?

-I migrated to the United States in New York with my parents and sister when I was only 5 years old by US DV lottery. I don’t remember much about the transition as it happened at such a young age, but I am grateful as my parents sacrificed for my sister and I to have more opportunities and that is exactly what we did in the past 29 years of living here. I do remember starting kindergarten when we came and my teacher then made such an impact on me as I didn’t speak the language and was very shy to this new world.

•  You’ve mentioned that your kindergarten teacher made a big impact on you as an English Language Learner (ELL). Can you describe that experience?

-New York and Tirana were two different worlds and all I was used to was being with my family and coming to this new world and entering a class where the kids were diverse and the so was the language, it was hard. My kindergarten teacher Mrs. Howfield made such an impact on me because not only did she welcome me into her classroom, but she made sure she stood with me until I was comfortable to let go and integrate with the other kids in the class. She helped me a lot in the short 2 months I spent in her classroom and was a big reason for my success not only in passing my ESL exam (learning English fast) but also coming out of my shell and making friends.

•  When did you realize you wanted to become a teacher yourself? What inspired you to choose early childhood education specifically?

-Surprisingly I didn’t start my career in teaching. After finishing my bachelor’s degree I worked in PR and advertising, but after some time I realized that was not where I belonged. I loved working with kids and decided to quit my job and went to Madrid, Spain where I worked an extended summer program teaching English. That was my “aha moment” where I knew I belonged in the classroom. I came back to New York and started working in a private preschool for 2 years then worked as a kindergarten and first grade teacher in Brooklyn while also working on my masters degree. In August 2022 I moved to Florida where I transferred to another Title 1 school and where I currently work as a kindergarten teacher and also a Regional Teacher Coach, where I have the privilege to coach other teachers to perform at their best.

•  You’ve been teaching in Title 1 schools for eight years. What does that mean to you, and how does it shape your role as an educator?

—I could’ve easily chosen to work in any school however I have intentionally chosen to work in Title 1 schools because I chose to be a teacher to make a difference, and unfortunately the students I serve are at a disadvantage due to their zip code and background circumstances. Title 1 schools serve predominately Black and Brown students, and despite the stigma or narrative that is painted for them, every child deserves teachers who care for them and that they receive a rigorous education as their surrounding districts. Serving as an educator and the past 8 years has shaped me not only as a teacher but as a person too!

•  Do you feel that your experience as a child of immigrants influences the way you support your students today?

—Absolutely! There is a reason I still remember my kindergarten teachers name to this day, and that is because she never discriminated towards me. I didn’t look like her, I didn’t speak her language, yet she never made me feel like I was less deserving of being pushed to my best abilities— she cared for me as a whole person! And that is what I strive to do everyday as an educator today.

•  What role has the Albanian-American community played in your life?

Have you stayed connected with it over the years?

— Despite living in the US for the past 29 years, I’ve never lost my connection to my Albanian culture. I’ve visited every year and I try to stay connected as much as possible here — whether it is attending Albanian events, joining Albanian FB communities, attended an Albanian Orthodox Church in New York, etc. Despite it being hard sometimes with the busy life of America, I still will never forget my roots as it is part of my identity!

•  We know you’ve maintained your Albanian language skills. How did you manage to keep the language alive while growing up abroad?

—When I moved to the US, I spoke Albanian fluently but I didn’t know how to write or read it as I hadn’t started school in Albania. But I was a determined child and I wanted to learn! My parents sent my sister and I every summer for 2 months to Albania and I practiced writing and reading with my cousins and family back home. I learned how to read and write it fluently and was proud as we know it is not an easy language.

•  You recently passed an Albanian language proficiency exam in New York. How did that feel, and what does it represent for you personally?

—When I was doing my bachelor’s I had the opportunity to take a language proficiency exam from New York University. I passed and received the full 16 credits which was a huge accomplishment and not only for the credits, but because it was an a testament to my drive to learn my native language. It makes me proud despite my life being here in the US, Albania will always be my root and that will never change.

•  What message would you give to other Albanian children in the diaspora who may struggle with their identity or language connection?

— I think the best piece of advice I can give is to never forget where you came from. Whether you were born in the US or not — home is home. Learning any language is a huge accomplishment and something to be proud of, but learning your root language is even more amazing. I advise them to learn about Albania, visit our beautiful country, and help each other. We are not the biggest country or community but great things happen when we come together and celebrate each other.

•  Finally, what has teaching given you—not just as a career, but as a way of life and personal mission?

—Teaching has really shaped who I am the past 8 years. I’ve always looked for ways to improve my skill and become better for my kids. It wasn’t an easy start and it is one of the most challenging undervalued careers, but it is so rewarding. Today I stand with a professional teaching license in both the state of New York and Florida, a regional teacher coach, was nominated for teacher of the year, and received numerous awards and recognition for my success. I’ve built so many amazing relationships with my students over the years. I still keep in touch with students I taught my first year, 8 years ago. I make it a priority that anyone and everyone in my class always knows and feels that I will always have their back and care for them, but I will also push them to be their best and hold a high standard for them because I know they can do it.