Teaching is not as easy as we always see with our teachers, professors, and others. It deals with incredible courage especially in facing diverse students.

When I came to know that the final exam for one of my major subjects (around 1-2 years ago) is demo teaching, it makes me afraid because it is my setback to speak in front of an audience and it's going to be my first demo teaching!

What made me feel that way is that I’m not that good at speaking especially using the English language (Why did I even take Education?!). I have gotten myself so anxious about screwing something up. I anticipated to reliably plan the idealized lesson, deliver everything flawlessly, and have everything go smoothly and as planned.

All through my presentation for that subject, I was continually thinking, "I need to say this, I can’t forget to say that". However, my mind was too bustling that I forgot things, I forgot the script on my mind. I was just too occupied. Good thing, the demo turned out well and my prof even praised me! I realized that the nervousness you feel at the beginning will not last long. I now believe when people say, "Sa sugod ra ng kulba." It's true tho! 

photos taken from one of my demos and right! it's math hehe

All of my major subjects require demo teaching and I'm grateful for that because I feel a bit relieved from my fright. I learned numerous things from all the demonstrations I did and the mentors I encountered which can shape the way I teach for years to come.

So, here are three things (of the many) that I'd like to share with you:

1. Confidence. A confident teacher would positively affect their pupil’s achievement, personality, and even socio-emotional growth. It will likewise improve a teacher's value as it normally boosts their overall effectiveness.

2. Good classroom management. This will make the pupils listen, interact during discussions, and respect the teacher more, so there were fewer distractions and negative behaviors.  

3. Creativity. Being creative specifically with the learning materials makes learners engage more as they get easily attracted to enticing and engaging activities. Especially that I'll be teaching elementary pupils, they love rainbows and unicorns! (if you know what I mean)

My demo teaching experiences have taught me how to learn from my mistakes and not letting them consume me. There is always room for improvement. After all,"who dares to teach, must never cease to learn."

it's a virtual pinning ceremony btw livestreamed via facebook, and hey! that's my momma

And lastly, I'm now in my Senior year and just got pinned!!! I'm so grateful to everyone all through my ups and downs in this course. To my friends, course mates, professors, and of course my parents who never failed to encourage and support me to continue this journey despite the challenges. I'm a step closer to one of the noblest professions in the world: teaching.

Watch our tribute video below or the virtual pinning ceremony here. 

Manila, Philippines – 51Talk, together with their new Philippine brand ambassador, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, held its first-ever live stream interview via Facebook after hundreds of aspiring online English teachers signed-up to get a chance to be part of the show. The live stream is part of 51Talk’s campaign to invite qualified Filipinos who are interested to take advantage of the 30,000 home-based online teaching opportunities offered by 51Talk where people can teach, learn and most importantly – earn. 

Listed in the New York Stock Exchange, 51Talk is the leading online English education platform that connects thousands of Filipino teachers to foreign English language learners via an interactive virtual classroom.

More than 70,000 viewers tuned in and joined the fun and inspiring live stream which allowed them to learn more about the teach at home opportunity and acquainted them with the application process that can be completed in as fast as three days. Pia interviewed nine pre-selected candidates from different backgrounds who shared their heartwarming stories on how they found hope in 51Talk after losing their jobs or livelihood.

Several of the candidates expressed how the pandemic has affected their current livelihood, especially those who belong to the travel and events industries. 

Paula, a professional dancer and instructor who has been performing and teaching for 14 years, had a lot of her events and classes cancelled due to COVID-19. She came across the 51Talk online teaching opportunity and decided to give it a shot since she has teaching experience.

“I want to be able to translate my teaching skills from dance and performance arts into teaching English. I just love sharing what I know and see my students grow into the best versions of themselves,” shared Paula. 

Trina, a professional events host, found herself in the same boat as a lot of her hosting gigs were cancelled or postponed indefinitely. 

“While the situation we are in can be very disheartening, I decided to try out as a 51Talk teacher and I’m happy that I made it to this fun interview with no less than Miss Universe  Pia Wurtzbach!” exclaimed Trina. Trina gave the viewers a taste of her fun, entertaining energy as she sang songs both in English and Chinese

Pearl, another one of the candidates, candidly shared how the past few months have been very tough for those in the travel industry. She was about to return as a flight attendant after her maternity leave but her retraining was put on hold as travel restrictions are still in place. Having no income, Pearl said she had to find a stable and sustainable livelihood that would allow her to help her husband, especially now that they have their first child. 

“When I learned about the opportunity in 51Talk, it gave me hope and made me revisit my childhood dream of becoming an educator,” shared Pearl. “Even if I don’t have any teaching experience, I didn’t hesitate to sign-up. I borrowed my sister’s laptop just so I could apply. I’m very excited to start teaching in 51Talk.”

According to 51Talk teacher Angelo Lex who co-hosted the show, being an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher is very profitable as he gets to earn at the comfort and safety of his own home in his preferred schedule. He also shared his excitement when he learned of the platform’s recent announcement about the 20 million pesos incentive program exclusively for 51Talk teachers this month. 

Pia felt ecstatic and inspired since this is her first stint in interviewing candidates online. “It’s a humbling experience to interview such incredible candidates from all walks of life, to hear their unique stories and to witness how talented and passionate they all are,” shared Pia.

Towards the end of the show, Pia said she was moved after hearing the story of one of the candidates, Pearl, the flight attendant who borrowed her sister’s laptop just so she could sign-up to be a teacher at 51Talk. Pia surprised everyone as she decided to personally give Pearl a laptop to help her get started in her online teaching career. 

“We see your hard work and we’re very sorry for what you’re going through as a young mom. I find you very engaging and who has so much potential,” said Pia.

“It’s such an honor to represent 51Talk as their brand ambassador and to be able to connect to thousands of Filipinos through this live stream. I hope it inspired them and gave them joy.” 

Pia considers empowering Filipinos as her top advocacy, now more than ever when thousands of Filipinos have lost their livelihood due to the pandemic.

“I am encouraging all qualified individuals to sign-up and to seize this wonderful livelihood opportunity. See you in our next live stream!” exclaimed Pia. 

Next month, 51Talk will be doing another round of interviews with a new set of candidates via their official Facebook page. To get a chance to be interviewed, showcase your talent, and have a #DateWithPiaAt51Talk, sign-up via 51Talk’s website at www.51Talk.ph.

An essay on any challenges confronting the present educational system now that the K-12 is now in full swing, including Senior High School, free tuition, upgraded salaries of teachers, etc. What else needs to be done? Are we assured of globally competitive graduates in the 21st Century?