Meet the Teacher Behind the Story

Hello! I’m Teacher May, a Business and Entrepreneurial Management major and a certified ESL instructor with over 15 years of experience helping students from around the world master English. I have been part of the 7Mango teaching family for seven years and counting, and I specialize in conversational fluency, exam preparation, and customized lessons for professionals in marketing, HR, IT, travel, and other fields.

Outside the virtual classroom, I am a mom, a book lover, and someone who finds joy in quiet moments spent in nature. This blog is my way of sharing how a simple opportunity turned into a meaningful career—and why teaching has become one of the greatest joys in my life.

Chapter 1: A Career Born from Courage

My journey into teaching began in 2008—not with a formal plan, but with a leap of faith rooted in hope, necessity, and a quiet belief in my potential. At the time, I was a young mother navigating the uncertainties of early parenthood while searching for a stable career that could support my growing family. One afternoon, while listening to the radio, I heard an ad for an ESL school hiring teachers. Something about that moment felt like a door opening. I decided to apply.

I have always had a deep love for the English language. Growing up in the Philippines, where English is the medium of instruction in higher education and widely used in media, I was surrounded by it. I grew up reading English novels and absorbing grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation through stories. During my interview at the ESL school, I was given a grammar test on which I scored one of the highest marks. I was invited to join a one-month intensive training program, where I learned the foundations of ESL instruction, classroom management, and student engagement. That was just the beginning.

Since then, I have committed myself to continuous professional development. I have earned teaching certifications, attended workshops led by native-speaking educators, and participated in online seminars focused on pronunciation, grammar mastery, and digital teaching tools. I have studied for international exams like TOEFL, IELTS, and PET—not just to improve my own skills, but to better prepare my students for their goals. I believe that teaching is not just about what you know—it’s about how you grow. And I have grown every year.

What started as a leap of faith has become a lifelong vocation. I have learned that courage does not always roar—sometimes, it is the quiet decision to show up, try something new, and believe in your ability to make a difference.

(a photo of me in my first classroom)

Chapter 2: Building Professionalism Through Training

My first classroom experience was humbling and transformative. I was asked to teach conditionals to one of the company’s directors during a trial class. Though nervous, I received encouraging feedback and was praised for my potential and grammar skills.

Since then, I have made it a priority to keep learning and growing as an educator, guided by the belief that teaching is a dynamic craft—one that calls for staying informed, inspired, and well-equipped through earning certifications, attending seminars, and participating in online courses taught by native English speakers from the U.S. and U.K. These experiences have sharpened my skills and broadened my perspective on global English instruction.

(my TEFL and TESOL certifications)

In addition to formal training, I have received consistent praise from students and supervisors. Their evaluations often highlight my clarity, patience, and ability to adapt lessons to individual goals. Many have noted how I make complex grammar feel approachable, how I listen attentively, and how I create a safe space for learning. These testimonials are more than compliments—they are reflections of the trust and progress we build together.

I also make it a point to reflect on my teaching regularly. I track student progress, revise lesson plans based on feedback, and stay updated on exam formats like TOEFL, IELTS, PET, Cambridge exams, and more. Whether I am helping a student prepare for an international certification or guiding a beginner through their first conversation, I bring both structure and empathy to every session.

Professionalism, to me, is not just about credentials—it is about consistency, care, and the courage to keep learning. And that is a commitment I carry into every lesson I teach.

Chapter 3: From Chalkboards to Clicks

A few years into my teaching journey, I received an unexpected message from one of my student’s mothers. She asked if I would consider teaching children online. At the time, the idea of virtual classes felt unfamiliar—and honestly, a little intimidating. Could I really connect with a student through a screen? Wouldn’t it feel impersonal or distant?

But I took a leap of faith. And what I found on the other side surprised me.

Teaching online did not create distance—it opened doors. Suddenly, I was able to stay home with my kids while continuing a job I loved. No more long commutes or missed moments. A corner in my bedroom turned into a classroom, and my headset became my new chalk.

I began working with students from Korea, China, and Taiwan. Each learner brought their own personality, goals, and cultural quirks. Eventually, that circle widened to include Indian professionals, Turkish teens, Spanish travelers, and now, eager Russian students.

Every lesson became more than just English practice—it became a cultural exchange. I taught grammar and vocabulary, sure. But in return, I learned about local traditions, funny expressions, and the different ways people dream. It reminded me that language is more than words—it was a bridge between worlds.

(photo from Freepik)

Chapter 4: Why I Fell in Love with This Job

When I first started teaching, it was simply a way to provide for my family. It was a job—a practical choice for a young mom trying to make ends meet. But over time, it became so much more.

With every student I met, every sentence we polished, and every laugh we shared over tricky tongue twisters or odd idioms, I found myself falling for the work. It was not about grammar charts or perfect pronunciation—it was about connection.

Here are the reasons that have kept me passionate about teaching ESL:

• It is deeply personal. No two learners are the same. Each one comes with unique goals, fears, dreams, and quirks. Understanding and adapting to them makes the job meaningful.
• It is rewarding. There is nothing quite like watching a student grow—from a timid beginner struggling to form a sentence to someone who speaks with ease and confidence.
• It keeps me learning. My students constantly teach me things—from unexpected grammar rules in their own languages to pop culture references I would not have known otherwise. It is a two-way street of discovery.
• It builds bridges. I get to work with people from cultures I have never visited, yet feel deeply connected to through shared learning and conversation.
• It touches a childhood dream. As a child, I once imagined myself standing in front of a chalkboard, teaching imaginary students. Life led me in a different direction at first—but somehow, it circled back.

In the end, the job I took out of necessity became the path I did not know I was searching for.


(photo from Adobe Stock)

Chapter 5: My Teaching Toolbox

One thing I have learned as a teacher: there is no one-size-fits-all strategy when it comes to helping people learn a new language. Every student walks in with their own story, and it is my job to meet them where they are.

Here are some tools and habits that help me do that:

•  Goal-Mapping in the First Lesson: From the start, I ask questions about my student’s motivation. Are they preparing for IELTS? Wanting to speak better at work? Or maybe they just want to watch Englis videos without subtitles? Knowing their goals helps shape our lessons.
•  Personal Error Logs: For long-term students, I track the errors they regularly make—grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation—and build quick mini-lessons into our sessions to work on those patterns.
•  Culture-Based Teaching: I love comparing idioms and slang between English and a student’s native language. It sparks fun conversations and helps concepts click.
•  Visual & Auditory Mixes: No one wants the same format every day. I blend listening activities, short videos, picture-based tasks, and writing challenges to keep students curious and engaged.
•  Confidence Building: Especially with shy learners, I always highlight what went well before offering suggestions for improvement. Building confidence is just as important as building fluency.

Over time, I have realized teaching English is not just about transferring knowledge—it’s about helping someone feel empowered to express themselves. And that is where the magic really happens.

(photo from Teacher Toolbox PH)

Final Thoughts

If someone had told me years ago that I would be teaching English to students in different time zones, across continents, through a screen—I am not sure I would have believed them. But life has a funny way of unfolding.

What began as a job quickly grew into a calling. From the moment I stepped into that first interview, to the first time I taught online, and to every moment in between—I have discovered parts of myself I did not know existed. Teaching has not only connected me with learners around the world, but also deepened my understanding of empathy, resilience, and growth.

And if you are reading this—whether you are a curious learner in Russia or a hesitant teacher in the Philippines —maybe my story is a small reminder: passion does not always arrive with grand announcements. Sometimes, it starts quietly, with a simple opportunity... and turns into something extraordinary.

Before we part, here is an opportunity for you… if you’re seeking a certified, compassionate, and goal-oriented English teacher who truly listens and adapts to your needs—let’s begin your journey together.

 I warmly invite you to book a trial lesson and experience personalized,
effective English learning designed just for you.

 Start your trial here.

(photo from iStock)