Team USArah in CA

🇺🇸

"Unstoppable"
Shining
Aiming for
Rarest
Ambitions with
Humility

My Big.Win today! 10-29-25

(Student hands over chocolate, smiling 😃!

"Ms. D, You're the one usually giving rewards, but I wanted to say thank you for being an amazing teacher!" -A. N. Period 2, the most challenging period(section) of mine.

MY BIG WINS TODAY 10-24-25
Winner na naman si Madame!

Bukod sa TGIF na, at may nagbigay ng donut sayo, then may mababasa ka n namn na message. Kaloka na talaga ang mga batang ito, super kulit! Puro vandalism sa table ko, sayang ung ink ng marker eh, anyway, libre naman supplies sa classroom, kaya ok lang. Then, few of them always checked on me. Asking "How was your day, Mrs. D? Are you feeling good?" May isa pa nagbigay sa akin ng strawberry candy. An Asian student and said "You're my favorite teacher, Mrs. Detruz!"

Ano daw ba secret ko?

1. : Sabi ko, si Lord, dasal pagpasok ko pa lang, may routines na ako. Rebuking all negativities, all bad vibes, and evil spirits in my classroom in "JESUS" name. Sobrang powerful! I also play worship songs habang nagp-prep.

2. at the door: Ngingiti kahit bwisit na bwisit ka sa attitude nila, at magsuot ka ng maskara na naka-smile. Ask them "Kumusta? How was your day?" Make them smile and always happy. Good vibes para positive vibes.

3. control: Wag mo sila sawayin na nakasigaw. Lapitan mo, kahit nagdidiscuss ka pa, maglakad ka papunta sa kanila. Pagmaingay, tatahimik yan, then bigyan mo ng sticky note na " ". Ibig sabihin kasi nun, they violate class rule.

4. let them do the rest. Let.them work.(Student-centered): (Bukod sa mahirap mag-English) 10 minutes teacher discussions is mahaba na. Di ubra ang magandang PPT at puro animation sa kanila, wala yang silbi kung nakatingin naman sila sa chromebook nila at nag-games. Pag pede sila sa games like , gamitin mo yan pag swak sa lesson. Just give them the topic/goal. The objectives then let them .

5. : Naniniwala kasi ako sa Law of Attraction. Choose to be positive, optimistic, grateful everyday. "Thank you, Lord, Ok ang klase ko, Ok ang mga bata, Ok ako, I Survive!" I don't invite negative and toxicity.

PS: Hindi ako ang pinakamahusay, this is my 1st time here in the US. Hindi din ako nagmamagaling to gain or boast. I just wanna share, sharing is caring. And again, kung nayayabangan ka sa akin, feel free to disconnect with me, kasi kanya-kanya tayo ng diskarte as teacher.

Life as a J1 teacher in CA: the highs and lows 🌈🌴

As a J1 teacher in California, I've learned to weigh the pros and cons 🌟. On one hand, I'm growing professionally and personally, enjoying new experiences, and earning income$$$ 💸. On the other hand, I'm away from family and friends, experiencing cultural differences, and adapting to a new environment 🌍.

But the benefits? Priceless! 🌈 I've discovered more self-love, become a better, fitter, and healthier version of myself 🏋️‍♀️. I have time for kikay (self-care), fashion, planning, and goal-setting 💅🏻. And the cherry on top? Less stress about finances, family, and more 🍰.

If you're considering teaching abroad, I'd say go for it! 🌟 It's a journey of growth, learning, and self-discovery.

✨ Ready to Teach in the U.S.? 🇺🇸 ✨

Thinking about applying for a teaching job in the U.S.? Let me share the checklist that helped me get here—straight from my experience!

When I was starting out in the Philippines, I felt lost despite reading stories online, joining Facebook groups, and watching videos. That’s why I’m sharing this now—to help you prepare and avoid the confusion I went through.

Here’s what you need to start working on NOW.

✅ 1. Your Updated Resume – U.S. Format
- 1-2 pages only
- Clear and simple English
- Include teaching experience, subject expertise, certifications, classroom management skills, and achievements
💡 Tip: Remove unnecessary personal details like age, photo, religion, or civil status.

✅ 2. Clear Scans of Your Documents
- Passport (bio page)
- College diploma and transcript of records
- PRC license (if applicable)
- Certificates of employment
- Teaching certifications or training
- Marriage certificate (if documents are in a different name)
🗂 Save in PDF format with clear file names.

✅ 3. Professional Email not DEPEd email & Online Presence
Create a professional email address (e.g., [email protected]).

✅ 4. Credential Evaluation. (FCE)
Some districts require foreign degree evaluation (WES, SPANTRAN, Acrevs, etc.).

✅ 5. Prepare for the Interview
Practice answering in English with confidence! Common questions:
- “How do you manage classroom behavior?”
- “How do you handle cultural diversity?”
- “How do you support struggling students?”
- “Why do you want to teach in the U.S.?”
💡 Tip: Speak slowly, clearly, and focus on student-centered answers.

✅ 6. Know Where to Apply
Search on:
- LinkendIn, Indeed, Workabroad, Glassdoor, Springschool, etc
- Visa sponsors with program fee
- Free visa Sponsors
- School district websites

✅ 7. Understand the Visa Process
- H-1B visa: Sponsored by the school district
- J1 visa: Requires a visa sponsor (e.g., GEC, EPI, TGP, IAG)

✅ 8. Save Up for Expenses
Be prepared for:
- Visa application fees $185
- Credential evaluation $150-700
- Medical exam Php 2500+
- Plane ticket $800 +
- Pocket money for your first month $1000-3000

✅ 9. Join Support Groups
Surround yourself with people who understand your journey. Join Facebook groups for international teachers, Filipino teachers abroad, and visa sponsorship discussions.

📌 Save this post for future reference!

📥 Follow this page for more helpful tips, real stories, and guidance on your teaching journey in the U.S. 🇺🇸💛

GRWM... going to Marshall, Bath and Body works. Walmart and Thirft store