Cristine Legaspi

Meet Cristine Legaspi from the Philippines

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What have you learned so far while on your program?

I shared my Filipino culture with my American students from my teaching philosophy and pedagogy. Students understand how culture is indispensable to molding a person’s identity and character. As we dived deeply into cultural diversity in my lesson, students were eager to share their culture with the class and so was I. As a J1 teacher, there is no greater purpose than to help those students who need help to learn and thrive. I see my purpose as a teacher and continue my advocacy as the jewel in the crown.

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What has been a difficult about teaching in the US?

Furthermore, learning about American culture gives me tremendous experience. Teaching different grade levels from 9th to 12th grades, for me is the most demanding part as an ELA Resource Teacher. However, the demand persuades me to be a better teacher and try my best to accomplish my goal: for them to learn and be successful.
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What is some advise you can give other J-1 teachers?

For my co-Filipino J1 teachers, let’s continue to help our students to flourish and develop to be academically successful. Seeing each of our students’ silver lining as they are the hope in this country. As teachers, we are the architect who designs learning instruction for them and by that, we can create engineers that someday will build a good community for everyone. Our dedication, passion, resilience, purpose, and love of teaching will lead us to the green light of success for our students. If failure comes to your door, keep in mind it is not the end of the world. You came a long way to show what you got.
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What has been you favorite part about living in the US?

I have different success stories with my students and live up to my expectations as an educator here in the United States of America. Receiving a plaque of appreciation from “The Marquis Who’s Who in America” is an attestation that I made a difference for my learners. This is hereby approved as a subject of biographical record in Who’s Who in America inclusion, which is limited to individuals who possess professional integrity, demonstrate outstanding achievement in the field of education, and have made innumerable contributions to society. Weeks from now, “The National Digest” wants me to be featured in their magazine to share as an Inclusion in Special Education. I hope this will strike a chord and get your hopes up to keep going with everything you do; you are loved and appreciated."

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