How Teaching English In The New Normal Changed My Life
Due to the challenges brought about by the new normal, more mothers are stepping up to provide for their family. Indeed, a mother’s love is truly like no other. As long as it is for her family, she can do anything and be everything.
This Mother’s Day, 51Talk celebrates five MAMAmazing mothers and 51Talk teachers who have dedicated their time and efforts to their families and students. To inspire mothers who are coping with the new normal, these teaching mothers share their stories and insights on how teaching with 51Talk allowed them to become their best selves and change their lives for the better.
Trainer Chubi
Trainer Chubi is a MAMAmazing mother who prioritizes her family first and sets SMART goals to manage her time effectively. Celebrating five years with 51Talk this month, she recalls her milestones and achievements as a 51Talk teacher, home-based trainer, home-based lesson evaluator, and PHBEE club captain. Through her hard work and dedication, her family is now living a comfortable and financially-independent life despite the new normal. Trainer Chubi happily shares her story to inspire and encourage other mothers to teach at home.
What qualities make a MAMAmazing mother?
For me, a MAMAmazing mother is one who always puts her children first. It means she is a mother who is willing to do and sacrifice everything to make her children happy. At the same time, she also takes care of her well-being. A mother is her children's role model in this world, and to raise good children, a mother has to be exemplary.
How do you manage your time as a teacher and a mother?
I prioritize well. I take note of everything that I need to do. I start with my daughter and our household’s needs, and I allot time for them. Then, with whatever time I have left, I fulfill my role as a teacher. The key is knowing my needs, my family's needs, and setting a SMART goal. When everything is set, I can balance everything that needs to be done without much stress and pressure. Having people who love and support me for what I do, managing my time has never been a problem for me.
What has been your biggest achievement as a mother? As a teacher?
As a mother, my biggest achievement is knowing that I am raising a beautiful person who is good inside and out. She is an adorable girl who's very caring and loving. She is always top of her class, and I am very proud of her.
As a teacher, I can say that my biggest achievement is being an advocate for my fellow teachers. I am not only a teacher but also a home-based trainer, a home-based lesson evaluator, and a PHBEE club captain. Being able to touch and inspire teachers from all over the platform, both old and new, gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Even if I’m a home-based teacher, I don't feel limited by the corners of my small workspace. The love and respect that I get from my fellow teachers, these priceless things, are worth more than any other achievement or title that I can get.
What investment from your earnings as a teacher are you most proud of?
When I started with 51Talk, my life wasn't very easy. As a single mother, I was living with my mom, and I was depending on the little income that I had when I was working in the BPO industry. I also had to sacrifice my time away from my kid since I had to live and work in Metro Manila.
After almost five years of working, I am proud to say that now, I can live an independent and comfortable life for myself and my family. We are renting our own small apartment, filled with things that I can call our own. I am saving up to have our dream home built, hopefully by next year or the year after. I was also able to upgrade all my teaching equipment and even my workspace. But most of all, I value my daughter's education. Providing her with quality education to give her a good future is the best investment that I could ever have. With my 51Talk earnings, I can afford to send her to a private school, a math program, and voice lessons, all of which are her own choice.
What is your message to mothers who are also aspiring home-based teachers?
To all the mothers out there, don't be afraid to step up and make a change. At first, I thought that being a full-time mom is the best person that I can be. 51Talk made me realize that being a mother is more beautiful when you know that you can contribute more to your family. The empowerment that I feel as a woman who has her own achievements and earnings is irreplaceable.
With 51Talk, I can earn what I need without missing precious moments with my family. I can even say that I am in the best of both worlds. We can all be here together. Now is the best time to start. Become your best self and be a MAMAmazing mother like me!
Teacher Felis Carol
Teacher Felis Carol is a hands-on mother who has a strong and loving relationship with her children. After balancing her time as a mother and 51Talk teacher for four years, she is proud of raising her children successfully and seeing her students learn and improve. Teacher Felis Carol’s story proves that you can become a MAMAmazing mother and a thriving professional all at the same time.
What qualities make a MAMAmazing mother?
What makes an amazing mother is her ability to balance her professional and family life. Teaching with 51Talk allowed me to do that. I became a hands-on mom, who is always there for my children as they go through different stages of their lives. I have the time to teach, discipline, guide, support, and encourage them when they face challenges and when they celebrate their joys and success in life.
How do you manage your time as a teacher and a mother?
I manage my time as a mother and teacher by knowing my priorities, setting a schedule, and sticking to it. I make sure I have breaks in between lessons so I can attend to the needs of my family. While my children are still asleep, I teach early morning lessons so I can be there when they need me.
What has been your biggest achievement as a mother? As a teacher?
As a mother, my biggest achievement is raising my children well. I am very proud of the kind of persons they have become, and I have a very strong and loving relationship with them. As a teacher, my biggest achievement is to witness my students learn to read and see them progress.
What investment from your earnings as a teacher are you most proud of?
I am very proud that I can provide my children with the best education through my earnings. I believe it is a valuable investment and gift for them since this will jumpstart their future. Education is a treasure that can never be taken away from them.
What is your message to mothers who are also aspiring home-based teachers?
I salute my fellow teacher-mothers! You all deserve respect and affirmation from the world. Do not doubt your abilities that you can make a difference in and have a great impact on our society. Keep inspiring more lives. We are not just women. We are great mothers who have great roles and responsibilities! Happy Mother’s Day!
Teacher Daenerys Madison
Teacher Daenerys Madison believes that patience and multitasking are necessary to become a MAMAmazing mother and a great online English teacher. Being a 51Talk teacher for almost two years has allowed her to provide for her children's needs and wants and pay for their daily expenses. Teacher Daenerys Madison’s story encourages others to continue working hard for their family.
What qualities make a MAMAmazing mother?
First, a mother needs patience. There are times that we get stressed and tired from teaching, but our children will want to talk or play with us. Let's not forget that we still need to attend to them after our lessons.
Second, try to see things from your kid’s point of view. While we are busy teaching all day, our children are also doing things that they want. As a mother, we should always be there to listen, guide, and support our children. Be open to your children's opinions and ideas.
Third, always keep in mind that discipline is a good thing. As a mother, we need to set boundaries and rules because children need boundaries to thrive.
Lastly, you have to be a good role model because you are the first person that your child will look up to.
How do you manage your time as a teacher and a mother?
Being a full-time home-based teacher, I always check important occasions ahead of time before plotting my schedule to avoid absences. As a mom, I always make sure that my children have eaten their breakfast, lunch, and dinner before I start my lessons. I also give them their needs like water, towels, and food. Even when I am teaching, smiling, and facing the camera, I still have my eyes and ears on them, too. As a mom and teacher, multitasking is necessary to look after your children and your students at the same time.
Also, I want to thank our parents for extending their love and care to their grandchildren, especially when we are really busy.
What has been your biggest achievement as a mother? As a teacher?
Providing for the needs of my children every day is always my biggest achievement. We always say that it's perfectly fine if we can’t buy our wants as long as we can provide our children’s needs first and make them happy. This also makes us feel happy and content.
As a teacher, my biggest achievements are being a part of the FTS Project, graduating from a mentorship program, becoming a PHBEE club captain, and becoming a newly tagged Master Teacher B teacher. These are the achievements that I will always treasure.
What investment from your earnings as a teacher are you most proud of?
I am proud that I bought a generator after five months on the platform. Then, it was followed by a new laptop on the 9th month, a mobile phone, and a tablet for my eldest. However, the most important thing is becoming financially independent and paying for all of our daily expenses without the help of others. Those are my investments from my earnings as a teacher in 51Talk.
What is your message to mothers who are also aspiring home-based teachers?
To all the amazing home-based teachers and mothers out there, let's be proud of who and what we are. Without our struggles, we will never see how amazing, strong, brave, and wonderful we truly are. Let's always stay positive, even if our experiences are difficult. We are not perfect. We make mistakes and we also forget things. We lose our cool, and sometimes, we get a little crazy. But it's fine because, in the end, no one can ever love our children the way we do.
Teacher Tiffany Leighton
At the age of 38, teacher Tiffany Leighton proves that it’s never too late to try something new and succeed in doing it. Since becoming a 51Talk teacher for 14 months now, she has become a PHBEE club captain and has secured her and her children’s future, while raising them with all her heart. Teacher Tiffany Leighton’s MAMAmazing story will show you how to become a successful mother and professional if you dare to take the first step.
What qualities make a MAMAmazing mother?
A MAMAmazing mother is ready to conquer everything for her children. She is selfless and draws strength from the Lord to face life’s challenges. She is strong, but her heart is pure. A MAMAmazing mother loves her children with everlasting love. She may get tired, but she remains beautiful.
How do you manage your time as a teacher and a mother?
I set my priorities. I make sure that everything is well taken care of. I do household chores in the morning and help my children with their school work in the afternoon. I teach from 10 am to 12 noon, and from 5 pm to 9 pm. I also attend training from 1 pm to 3 pm if there are any scheduled. I manage my schedule wisely so I won’t compromise my duties as a mom and a teacher. I make sure my children are not neglected, and I am available when they need me.
What has been your biggest achievement as a mother? As a teacher?
As a mother, my greatest achievement is raising smart and well-mannered children. They are achievers and have brought pride to their school and our family. I am very hands-on, and I am very proud to be the wind beneath their wings.
As a teacher, I am proud to have achieved recognition from the FTE Department for my excellent performance. I am also a captain of a PHBEE club (Laguna Primrose). I have regular students who love me and who are still with me for more than a year now. I am proud to have witnessed their growth and improvement in speaking English.
What investment from your earnings as a teacher are you most proud of?
I have a long-term investment, which I am still paying using my fee as a 51Talk teacher. I secured life insurance with investment for my two children because I want to make sure that they will have enough funds in the future. I am also paying for my life insurance and investment for my retirement. I don’t have the whole picture now, but I am praying that whatever I am investing in right now will work its purpose in the future.
What is your message to mothers who are also aspiring home-based teachers?
I have been a plain housewife for the past 15 years. I never thought that I could still start a career at the age of 38. When 51Talk opened its doors for me, I was uncertain at first. I just took a leap of faith to see if I can make it. There’s no harm in trying. Then, everything went smoothly. I got my regular students, I was fully booked, and I never experienced low bookings. I got promoted, new opportunities opened up for me, and I grew more as a teacher and an individual.
51Talk also came as a blessing because I started teaching during the surge of COVID-19. My husband cannot go back to work as a seafarer due to global lockdowns. We have limited funds, and the pandemic has made everyone feel helpless. I am so grateful that I can teach in the comfort of our home and put food on our table. It was indeed an answered prayer. The Lord heard my prayer to help my husband carry the load of providing for our family’s needs. My fees in 51Talk have helped us cope during this pandemic. We don’t have to rely on government aid just to eat. I make sure that my children won’t starve and that they can still eat their favorite meals. I remain grateful every day despite all the challenges.
My message to all the mothers who aspire to become home-based teachers is to never be afraid of trying. The first step is always the hardest, but if you persevere and keep your eyes on your goals, you can do everything it takes to succeed. Make your family, especially your children, your inspiration. In these trying times when available opportunities are limited and the safest place is your home, don’t hesitate to grab this chance to become an online teacher. Put your heart into everything that you do. Treat each day, each person that you meet, and each opportunity that comes, as a blessing.
With 51Talk, you will enjoy teaching kids and earn a living for your family. You won’t regret it once you see the smiles on your students’ faces. You will realize that you are playing a big role in their journey to success.
Everything has its time and worth. Your worth as a person does not depend on the amount of money that you earn. It’s how you make an impact on someone's life. Be an inspiration and a blessing to all the people that you meet. Be grateful even in tough times, for the Lord sees the whole picture, and in His perfect time, everything will work for our best.
Teacher Cath Bennington
Although teacher Cath Bennington has only been teaching for three months at 51Talk, she has already experienced the benefits of teaching on the platform. Thanks to 51Talk’s flexible schedule, this MAMAmazing mother can juggle her duties and responsibilities as a mother, wife, public school teacher, and 51Talk teacher. Her story will make you realize that if she can do it, you can do it, too!
What qualities make a MAMAmazing mother?
Perseverance, endurance, and passion are the best qualities of a MAMAmazing mother. A mother must persevere in her duties and responsibilities at home and work. She must endure life's pains, challenges, and sacrifices. Lastly, she has a huge heart to overcome everything for her family.
How do you manage your time as a teacher and a mother?
I am not only a wife but also a mother, a public school teacher, and a 51Talk teacher. 51Talk is a great blessing that came my way this 2021. Using a timetable effectively allows me to manage my time, especially with my two kids.
What has been your biggest achievement as a mother? As a teacher?
As a mother, my biggest achievement is seeing my kids grow well and healthily and providing for their needs, especially now that they are learning to read and write.
As a 51Talk teacher, my biggest achievement every day is knowing how well my students learned and enjoyed my lessons.
What investment from your earnings as a teacher are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my monthly educational treats for my kids! Moreover, my 51Talk students are learning from me, and my experiences in teaching them also help me teach my kids in return.
What is your message to mothers who are also aspiring home-based teachers?
Never stop aspiring to reach your goals! 51Talk has it all for you! You can teach and earn in the comfort of your own home! Your time, your schedule, your goal! Aspire, believe, and be a 51Talk teacher!
51Talk celebrates all the mothers across the globe, especially those who fought hard to survive during these trying times. May mothers continue to be a role model and inspiration to their children and many other people.
If you want to become a MAMAmazing teacher and teach English lessons online in the new normal, 51Talk, the leading online English education platform, invites you to start making a difference in your life and others’ lives. Join 51Talk today, and change your tomorrow for the better!
This content was originally published here.
