Teaching English to US kids: a Pinay's success story

It was in November 2004 when the agency contacted me and said that I was one of the teacher applicants
who was scheduled to be interviewed by the human resources representatives from the Baltimore City Public
Schools. They told me the time of the interview and that it was going to be held at the Manila Peninsula Hotel in
Makati City. I had mixed emotions when I learned about this great news. I was ecstatic because I knew that I was
getting close to achieving my “American Dream.” At the same time, I was also nervous because I knew that it
was going to be a tough competition among the teacher applicants.

Adjusting to the American culture

I, together with 50 other teachers, came to Baltimore City, Maryland in June 2005. We shared the same
experiences and heartaches. We had difficulty adjusting to a new country, city, and most of all, living with three
other Filipino teachers in a two-bedroom apartment. But we started to like it. We realized that besides God, we
only had each other because we did not have any family members who would be able to assist us in times of need.
We would take the bus, metro and the subway whenever we needed to go to shopping centers. We would also
gather in each other’s apartment every Friday night for Bible studies.

My first year was a challenging one. I realized that teaching the native speakers of the English language
is still different from teaching English to second language speakers of the language. They used a lot of idioms
which some of them, I was not even familiar with despite me being an English teacher. My accent and
pronunciation of some words were also different despite me teaching speech and oral communication to college
students. My students would correct me and ask me to repeat what I was saying. I did not get slighted by it, but
rather, took it as a challenge.

I had students who had behavioral problems but my being strict with my students in the Philippines and
my knowledge about special education helped me a lot during my first year. They came very handy. I did not
have serious problems with classroom management compared to my other colleagues. Some of them were
disrespectful but it was not because of my accent and being a Filipino. One thing that these children are very
much oriented with is that they could not discriminate people because of their speech, nationality and especially,
the color of one’s skin. They know that it is racism.

It was an adjustment to the culture as well. There were some things that I would miss that our students do
in the Philippines that our students here do not do. Back home, our students and parents regard us as their second
parents. They put such high regard to teachers. Filipino students stand to greet their teachers and whenever they
respond to our questions. It took me about a month to adjust in this regard. Then, I realized that both I and my
students were actually adjusting to each others’ ways and cultures. I also realized that children are children
wherever you go all over the world. They will always need affection, love, care, and most of all, will always be
hungry for knowledge.

“Bayanihan spirit” lives on

I started to build and develop a rapport with my students, parents and colleagues. Then, my students started
inquiring about the Philippines and its people. They wanted to know all the things about my country. They were
so curious about our country because they were not even familiar that our country exists until I came to the school.
One thing that amazed them was when I told them that when the American children are in school, the Filipino
children are sleeping. They did not have any idea that it was happening on the other side of the world! My
administrators and parents liked me as well. Parents were happy that their children were being taught by a highly
qualified teacher. They also liked me because they saw my passion and dedication to the teaching profession.

I had colleagues who were already deciding to go back home during our first year. However, with
continued support and faith in God, we were able to survive our first tough year. One thing that I can say about
us Filipino teachers is that, we’re resilient and as pliant as the bamboos. Trials seemed to make us fall down but
we just dusted ourselves off instead and continued to stand from where we left off.

In retrospect, it was a very challenging yet rewarding first year. Besides our administrators, parents, and
students, we are also thankful of the Filipino communities who supported us all the way. We truly have witnessed
the authentic “bayanihan” spirit from our friends in the River of Life International Christian Fellowship. They
were the ones who were there to provide not only our tangible needs but most of all, our spiritual needs. They
demonstrated the real essence of a Christian spirit- that is helping brothers and sisters without any expectations
of being paid back. Our first year was successful because of their support.

Looking back

This is now my sixth year in my school and in my district. I have now been a part of our leadership team
and executive board. I, together with my principal and other selected colleagues, meet weekly to discuss school
policies and programs that will make my school a well run school. My principal has given me multiple awards
because of my contributions in my school’s achievement of the Adequate Yearly Progress for three consecutive
years. I also have dismissed a lot of special education students because they have already been performing on
grade level after giving then intensive reading instruction. I am glad and blessed that they recognize my
contribution to my school.

I have a lot of things to thank God for. My family has been here with me for three years now. My daughter
is now in ninth grade and my son is now in seventh grade. Both of them are consistent honor students. Besides
enjoying some financial gains that coming to America had brought me and my family, I am so thankful that I was
able to know the real God. My God who continues to love me unconditionally despite of my inequities. My God
who promises in Jeremiah 29:11 that, “For I know the plans that I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to
harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future!”

If you ask me if I feel bad about leaving the Filipino students behind despite them being in need of good
teachers like us, my answer is sometimes. On the other hand, I also believe that we do not have to be in our
country to make our country proud. Every day, I always instill in my mind that I am not just carrying myself but
I’m also a “flag carrier” of my beloved country. Every day, I make my country proud by making sure that I am
giving my best to my American students. That way, they will remember my country because of this Filipino
teacher who touched their lives and whose name has been engraved in their hearts. I serve my students because I
do believe that God brought me to this country for a reason, and that is to be like a parent to these children who
are hungry and longing for a parent’s love that some parents could not provide.
“Mabuhay tayong mga Pinoy!”

It has been a very successful six years because of my faith in God. Without Him, I am nothing. I would
have gone home and accepted my defeat. I offer all of my success to Him. I hope that my story will inspire other
Filipino teachers overseas. I know that it is tough to be away from our families but there is always light at the
end of the tunnel. That light is God! The more we experience struggles or challenges the more that we should
cling to God because He is our rock and provider. May God continue to bless us and our families with good
health, perseverance, wisdom and determination. May He also continue to bless our country and our adoptive
countries as well. When you feel lonely being away from your family, just read Romans 5:5, Matthew 6:25-34,
and Jeremiah 29:11. I hope that this article inspires all of the Filipinos worldwide! Mabuhay tayong mga Pinoy!!!