A Filipino Teacher Abroad

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.
Preparing for Charm City
So, I started planning and preparing for that interview. I began thinking about the professional attire that I was going to wear. I also started
reviewing my notes and books on special education and did my research about the Baltimore City Public Schools and Baltimore City in
general. After my research, I learned about the special education programs they had that time, curriculum, population, products, famous places and
its wonderful people. As a matter of fact, the city earned its name as the Charm City in the United States because of its beautiful people. In
addition, I have also learned that one of my favorite authors, Edgar Allan Poe was from Baltimore City. You can just imagine how excited I was after
learning all of these facts even before my interview.
When the day of my interview came, I went to the hotel equipped and ready to be grilled with questions. There, I saw a lot of teachers
waiting outside the room. Just like me, I can see in their faces excitement and nervousness. I was able to witness different behaviors while waiting for
my turn. Some were reading and reviewing some notes and books. Others were just chilling and waiting for their turn to be over, while the rest were
having conversations with each other. Based on the conversations, I learned that everyone had only one goal! That was to pass the interview because
that was our ticket to have the taste of the American Dream.

The interview that would spell the future

During my interview, I was surprised that the interviewer was kind and was making me feel comfortable. During the interview, I have
learned that they were hiring Filipino teachers because there were not enough highly qualified teachers in Baltimore City Schools to teach math,
science, and special education during that time. The No Child Left Behind Policy has been requiring school systems to hire highly qualified teachers,
which means teachers who are certified or have the potentials to be certified in the said areas. As a result, they ended up hiring teachers overseas
which included the Philippines. They included the Philippines because of our educational system being patterned from theirs and with English being
our medium of instruction. In addition, speaking and hearing someone speaking the English language is an everyday occurrence in the Philippines
when doing business transactions and in academic institutions. Even the street vendors who some of them may not be able to express themselves in
English fluently are also able to understand the language. Isnt it amazing? This is an asset that I think our country has.
I was interviewed for at least 30 minutes and I was able to pass the interview with flying colors. The districts representative told me that I
was already hired even if she was not supposed to disclose the result yet until all of the more than 200 applicants have already been interviewed. It
was such an unforgettable day! When I got out of the room, it felt like I was in heaven! I kept jumping up and down while the rest of the applicants
were looking at me crazily and maybe enviously. Others also asked me about the questions that were asked and a lot more things.

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 others
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 ones skin. They
know that it is racism.

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, were 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.

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 schools 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!

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!!!