An individual can take several paths in life, however for me, teaching has always been more than just a profession---it is a vocation. I would go as far as to say I love and am passionate about my work. My name is Maria Rizza Ponce, and I have dedicated eight years to teaching English online (ESL), assisting learners from diverse backgrounds to enhance their English language skills. My path has been molded by both personal and professional experiences which turns me not only a teacher but also a mentor, a guide, and a lifelong learner.
Envisioning myself as an ESL teacher wasn't in my vocabulary. Like many others, I also had my share of the crooked path, a winding one filled with so many challenges and realizations. It wasn't a straight road. I had to endure a lot during my early years spending them only to nurture my love for the language, this, nevertheless had eventually led me to attain TESOL and TEFL certifications. These qualifications opened doors for me to teach young learners, kids, and adults, each with their exceptional needs and learning styles. These moments shaped my perspective on education fortifying my beliefs that learning should be engaging, encouraging, empowering, and relevant. I firmly believe that language is not just about grammar and vocabulary but also about communication, confidence, and connection. This has guided my approach to ensure my students not only improve their English skills but thus enjoy the learning process itself. Eventually, this has become my teaching philosophy.
Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way, and for me, one of the toughest hurdles I faced was a period of health struggles. Being hospitalized and dealing with a major health issue (pleural effusion - water in the lungs) was not only physically exhausting but also mentally challenging. However, adversity has a way of teaching us valuable lessons. My time away from teaching allowed me to reflect deeply on my purpose and what truly mattered.
Coming back to teaching after my recovery was a turning point. It reinforced my passion for education and gave me a renewed sense of gratitude. I realized that every class I teach, every student I help, and every small progress made is a gift. Since then, I have embraced every lesson with more patience, understanding, and enthusiasm, knowing that I am making a difference, no matter how small.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job is the connection I build with my students. Teaching online may seem distant to some, but I have found that, with the right approach, it can be just as personal and impactful as in-person teaching.
For example, one of my long-time students has shown remarkable progress over the years. Witnessing their transformation from struggling with basic sentences to confidently expressing their thoughts in English is incredibly rewarding. Moments like these remind me why I do what I do.
To make my classes interactive and enjoyable, I use TPR (Total Physical Response), rewards, storytelling, and real-life applications. My goal is to ensure that every student, regardless of age or level, feels engaged and motivated. Whether I am teaching a ten-year-old preparing for the CET-4 or an adult looking to enhance their business communication skills, I adapt my methods to suit their learning style and goals.
Outside of teaching, I am also a mother of three doting daughters. It has been too difficult to balance work and family life, but it has taught me valuable lessons in time management, patience, and resilience. My children will always be an inspiration, they are my reminders that learning is a lifelong journey. As a mother, this has also shaped the way I teach. It has given me a deeper understanding of how young minds learn, how motivation works, and how important encouragement is in any learning process. This perspective allows me to connect better with my students, especially younger ones, as I fully understand their struggles and milestones from both a teacher's and a parent's viewpoint.
As I continue my teaching journey, I am always looking for ways to grow and improve. Recently, I have been incorporating KET (A2 Key) materials into my lessons, helping students prepare for important exams. Additionally, I have been working with a student in the business sector, tailoring lessons to enhance her communication skills in a professional setting.
Beyond teaching English, my goal is to instill confidence in my students. I want them to see English not as an obstacle but as a bridge that connects them to opportunities, cultures, and people around the world. Teaching is not just about imparting knowledge; it is about inspiring growth, fostering curiosity, and building relationships. Every student I teach leaves an imprint on my journey, and I hope to leave a lasting impact on theirs as well.
My story is still being written, but one thing is certain—education is my passion, and I am committed to making a difference, one student at a time.
Note: Photos are edited from Canva, Snow App, and Capcut.