Professionally, Alma has found that teaching in the U.S. has shaped her approach in so many meaningful ways. Exposure to a new educational setting has encouraged her to adopt more inclusive, interactive teaching techniques. She’s created structured lesson plans, and incorporated technology to make her classroom more interactive. Alma also included more group activities as she leaned into the emphasis on collaborative learning in the U.S. Her experience has shown her the impact of differentiated instruction in addressing the unique needs of each student and her students as a whole.
Alma has also been pleasantly surprised by the cultural similarities between the Philippines and the U.S. For her, both places share a strong sense of community, family, and a commitment to student engagement, which has made her transition easier and her experiences richer. She feels a strong connection to her students and colleagues as they work together to create a supportive learning environment.
One of Alma’s most rewarding experiences has been witnessing her students’ personal growth. One of her favorite moments was when a student overcame their nervousness to give a heartfelt presentation on their favorite book. She had worked together with them to build their confidence and focus on their passion for the story. When the student finally spoke, their enthusiasm was incredible, and it was clear they had overcome their anxiety. Alma was amazed to see how much they grew from the experience and how it inspired their classmates. It was a great reminder of how important it is to support students and help them build their confidence!
Alma’s Filipino heritage remains a valuable part of her teaching, as she frequently integrates elements of her culture into lessons to encourage cross-cultural understanding. For example, if her students are studying literature, Alma will incorporate Filipino legends and myths, or bring in traditional Filipino dishes for her students to taste on cultural holidays. By sharing Filipino folklore, history, and traditions, she creates an inclusive atmosphere in the classroom where her students can learn about and appreciate different cultures.
She encourages students to share their own background as well, and assigns group projects where students research and present on different cultures and have discussions about global issues. These activities make learning about different cultures a regular and engaging part of her classroom.
Alma is proud to be involved in after-school programs where she has organized art workshops, like painting, and cultural presentations, including Native American arts and simple Filipino games. These activities have given students the chance to explore and appreciate different artistic traditions and cultural backgrounds.
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