Jersey, From the Philippines, Thriving as an Online English Teacher to Japanese EFL Learners

Fueled by her passion for the English language and inspired by the teachers who shaped her journey, Bridge grad Jersey Cirineo, from the Philippines, embarked on a career in online English teaching. Currently teaching English for a Japanese online language school, she reflects on the most rewarding moments she has had with her students and shares how she continues to refine her teaching skills, from fostering class participation to selecting the right materials for various age groups to create a more engaging learning experience.

Hi Jersey! Could you share a bit about yourself?

I’m from the Philippines. I grew up here and currently reside here. I have been teaching English online to Japanese learners for about six years.

I was introduced to online teaching by friends who are also English teachers. I found that I could work from home and part-time, which was preferable for me. When I’m not working, I like to spend my time either reading books or watching my favorite cooking channels.

I’ve also recently completed the 60-Hour Introductory Educator TEFL/TESOL Certification course to gain my first English teaching certificate. I’m also currently using those points I learned from the course in my lessons.

Improve your teaching with these 11 tips for new TEFL teachers.

What inspired you to become an English teacher?

I developed an interest in teaching English back in my school days. I always enjoyed my English classes at school because of the group activities, essay-making, discussions, and class reporting. So, I think I have grown a great interest in learning another language.

I also looked up to my English teachers. Aside from being skillful in teaching the language, they were also very kind in commending my speaking skills. This feedback has boosted my confidence in my potential, so I became interested in teaching English as well.

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Where have you taught English?

I’ve taught English on two online English education platforms. Currently, I’m teaching for an online English school based in Japan.

How did you start teaching English in the online classroom?

Having no prior professional English teaching experience, I started by searching for companies that hire people like me. I applied to several companies, and unfortunately, some of my applications have failed. During the application process, the interviewer would usually provide feedback, and it greatly helped me examine the teaching points I needed to improve, so I kept learning.

The first online English teaching school I got accepted into provided me with the right amount of training and materials during the onboarding process, which helped me succeed in teaching online.

Wondering how you can start teaching without experience? Read this next: The Ultimate Guide to Teaching English Without a Degree or Experience (Online and Abroad).

How did you land your current English teaching job?

Since this is my second English teaching job, I can say that my previous work experience helped me to successfully land this current one. I also prepared for each step in the application process.

As part of the screening process, I had to demonstrate my English skills and meet their requirement, which calls for preparation on my part as a non-native English speaker.

After passing, they conducted an interview and had me undergo a demo lesson. Showing a genuine interest in growing and developing also helped. At that time, I hadn’t been teaching English for very long. So I think that it was important to keep on training.

Learn how to answer common online English teaching job interview questions.

Can you tell us more about your teaching job?

My students are mainly Japanese who seek to learn English for various reasons, such as work, school, immigration, or even just as a hobby. Some learners are children, grade school or high school students, and employees. For that reason, we provide various types of lessons based on the students’ needs or sometimes cater to their special requests. For example, if they have questions about a certain language point, they might request us to design a lesson about it.

Most of my students are children and company employees, so I give reading and speaking lessons. Many children begin their English learning by practicing phonology and reading, while adults need to acquire English communication skills for their job, business trips, getting promotions, or personal travels.

Explore ways to personalize your English lessons with these effective strategies.

What do you like best about teaching English online?

Teaching English online has perks, and the one I like the most is the convenience. Working from the comfort of my own home saves me from the hassle of daily commuting. I also like that this type of work allows me to maintain a work-life balance and enjoy my other activities, such as volunteering. Of course, I’d also like to experience teaching in a physical classroom.

At the moment, I continue to appreciate that I get to teach English to many people of other nationalities, which is something I couldn’t do in my hometown without the opportunity of teaching online.

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How would you describe yourself as an English teacher?

I honestly find it difficult to see what I’m really like as an English teacher. My students often tell me that I speak calmly and gently. During lessons, I do my best to make my students happy by being friendly and creating a relaxed atmosphere to help them feel less nervous. I’m also flexible in adapting new teaching techniques. If I feel that a certain lesson is unsuccessful, I try to reflect on my possible flaws and think of how things can be done better. Often, I apply punctuality at my work too. Though I’m not naturally lively and extroverted, I try to make the lessons as engaging as possible.

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Can you share a memorable or funny moment that you had as an English teacher?

Most of my memorable moments happen when my students express appreciation for my help. I think it was also memorable when, for the first time, one of my students was finally able to read and pronounce a whole English passage independently after months of teaching her reading. She was in the first grade of elementary school and started from scratch.

I also find it funny when my young learners are so active in the middle of the lesson that I don’t even need to explain further because they act out the meaning of a word themselves.

You took the 60-Hour Introductory Educator TEFL/TESOL Certification course. Why did you decide to take this course?

I wanted to become a qualified English tutor, so I thought that a TEFL/TESOL certificate would help me achieve that goal. I discovered Bridge’s Introductory Educator course when I searched for the best TEFL courses online.

I became interested in the Introductory Educator certification because the website lists the course details and curriculum, which align with my current needs and goals. It is also taken online, so I had the flexibility to complete it at my own pace.  

How has this course helped you professionally?

The course’s curriculum has taught me the practices of more effective teaching. For example, certain modules in the course provided comprehensive lessons and written assignments on teaching language points using strategies and appropriate materials.

I especially find the lessons and assignments about the language focus stage helpful, which I have been applying in my lessons. I found it effective because I noticed that it increased my students’ retention of lesson points. Also, applying the teaching points I learned from the course has been helping me see that there is much room for improvement, and it makes me enjoy this work even more.

I’ve also had a lot of takeaways from the course, but I’ll list two:

First, the importance of eliciting information and its effective practices. It’s an approach I can use to find out what my students already know and what I have to teach. It also encourages them to speak and engage more.
Second, the careful choice of materials and teaching points. It is important to provide balanced opportunities for learning and full student engagement. One tip I learned from the course is to focus on a certain teaching point, plan how to concisely elicit or present it, and then help the student practice it.

Take a look at the best companies for teaching English online.

How would you like to further develop your English teaching career?

I’ve been teaching online for a while now, so I’m thinking it would be nice if I experience teaching in person too. For now, I’d like to continue enhancing my teaching skills and, if possible, upgrade my credentials through specialized training. That way, I could gain more experience and skills, and when I travel to various places, I could continue teaching English.

What is your advice to teachers who want to teach English online?

Perhaps what I found is that the most helpful practice in teaching online is preparation and flexibility, which go hand in hand. Most teachers already have these qualities, so I advise them to try online teaching as well.

Additionally, be prepared for common problems, such as technological issues or online classroom management.

Finally, I find it important to create a neat, comfortable desk that promotes a productive workstation, especially if you work from home. I think it can help with reducing the stress that naturally comes with working remotely.

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