Finding Purpose

Our God is an awesome God.   I got rejected by a sponsor, squeezed by time, and tried by a lacking document.   I am not discouraging anyone here. Rather, I am enumerating the miracles of our Lord during this journey I chose to take with #teachusa.   I was accepted by another sponsor, my documents … Read more

“Aren’t you too young for this?” “You are inexperienced, you think it would be enough?”   “Are you sure about your decision?”   “Will you make it?”   I get these questions from others and at some point I also asked myself about it.    The moment I decided to pursue my BEEd Special Education … Read more

Ghie‘s story is one of a kind too.   Two years ago, I met her in New Mexico when I was still working with the NM Public Education Department. She held a J1 visa from one of the Mississippi school districts. She introduced herself and told me that she’d make sure to get my services … Read more

Meet Fellow: Jemmry Velasquez Jemmry is currently the 8th grade Science teacher and Department Head of Heizer Middle School in Hobbs, New Mexico. He has been teaching science in the United States for the last three years, but has been teaching for 19 years. He is the former Academic Supervisor at Hope Christian High School … Read more

STUDENTS’ BEHAVIORS – WARNING   New teachers in the US, please take a little bit of time to know the US culture before being adamant with your Filipino ways of doing things – especially in disciplining students who speak bad words A LOT!     The sad reality is YOU will HEAR cursing, swearing, insulting, … Read more

Three years ago, the thought of teaching in a foreign land came across my mind. It gave me an ecstatic feeling and I was extremely inquisitive to start the process. I emailed TEACH-USA CEO Maam Gemma to signify my intention of joining and immediately started with my application.    I began to ask for the … Read more

When you allow your courage to plunge into uncertainties, it’s almost impossible to believe you can fly high!   But because of your enormous faith in God,  you’ll have a spirit of a prayer-laden eagle which allows your strength to fight your battles! This was exactly my experience with life the moment I entered into … Read more

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing” Helen Keller….   To teach in the USA is a great opportunity and a great blessings. It is an experience of a lifetime not only from the location and cultural aspects of the position, but also from the personal adjustment that I have to make for myself. … Read more

Your Science Teacher is featured on the local newspaper of Astoria, Oregon. So grateful for this opoortunity to share my story to the community I now belong to. I am teaching here for just 3 months, but I guess, word spreads quickly!    I am beyond grateful for the people the Lord has allowed to … Read more

Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your VALUES. The imperative word here is VALUE. Because at the end of the day, the man in the mirror is you.

SIMPLE REMINDERS TO INCOMING J1 VISA TEACHERS   You all have four different sponsors. Sponsors with different fees, processing styles, and personalities!   Upon US entry, you all become under the jurisdiction of your sponsor. So, make sure to have good relations with them.   They are all very strict with following the US Dept … Read more

Food for Thoughts for Aspiring J1 Teachers  by: Anonymous       1. Know your agency. Make sure you are satisfied with the services they offer. Wag pag dating dito nag iba na ang ihip ng hangin kesyo mas maganda at mas mura ung iba. It’s a choice, and be happy with it.     … Read more

The Don’ts of Teaching in the US by Rheux Serendipity Britt     1. Don’t ask unless google can’t answer your question.   2. Don’t play know-it-all; we all start back from scratch when we get here, everything here is completely different from the Philippines.   3. Don’t just wait and speak up only after … Read more

God’s PLANS. by: Maria Theresa Alvarez-Jackson     GOD ALWAYS HAS A BETTER PLAN. HE HAS THE BEST REASONS AND HE WILL NEVER FORGET TO REWARD YOUR HONESTY AND HARDWORK.   These thoughts capture my 3-year journey.   My first J1 program was way back in 2011 as a university fellow at Clemson University in South … Read more

Pagdating nyo dito sa US… hindi magiging perfect agad ang buhay nyo. Lahat ng nag sisimula, mahirap.     Madami kwento ng sacrifice, wala naman libre dito, wala din kayo pinabaon na pera para sitting pretty na lang kayo pag dating dito.   Sa kadamihan, eto naexperience:   1) need maglakad… sa Pinas naman todo lakad … Read more

  The possibilities are infinite! So, why choose to think about FAILING? But to make you happy, here goes: HOW DO I FAIL 101. 1. Think negative. 2. Say negative. 3. Do negative. 4. Speak negative. 5. Be negative. Yey, you succeeded! Congratulations! I hope you are happier! 🙂 Please feel free to check the … Read more

MY STORY: I had 33 units in MA Sped.  I also did not have SPED teaching experience since I was teaching Computer subjects in the Philippines then. (or so I thought!)   But, during the interview, something popped into my mind –  I did have SPED teaching experiences!   1) I had a computer class … Read more

When I was taking my masters in SPED, I’d hear teachers talk about working in the US.   I wasn’t interested.   Why?    At that time, I was still in the process of knowing what I wanted and I was happy with where I was. I didn’t even bother to inquire or ask questions … Read more

Week 50/52 #Weeklies I saw a Southwest airlines flight promotion and suddenly thought about flying to California for the sake of getting the deal. I called my friend Ronalyn and told her I’d visit her on April 30, just in time for her birthday! Then, she told me that if I’m traveling on my own … Read more