Instructor Spotlight: Mariana Loayza|Catholic Charities

December 3, 2020

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what has inspired you to be a teacher?

My name is Mariana Loayza. I have a master’s in social communication research from my country of origin, Peru. My career is in Teaching Language Methodology – Spanish, French, and English. My inspiration to teach comes from my parents – both who are university professors. I am certain my love and dedication to teaching is thanks to them. As a mother of two boys – Nicolas age 8 and Sebastian age 6, I have learned that there is no better way to understand the role of a teacher than when you become a mom. So, my kids are my inspiration too. I dedicated myself to exclusively teaching ESOL when I come to reside in the U.S eleven years ago. Since then my love for teaching grew more than ever.

What are the biggest challenges you face as an ESOL teacher?

One of the biggest challenges as an ESOL teacher is to always be ready to have an accurate answer to my learners’ questions. To be extremely prepared to solve their doubts in grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, etc. To help them face new challenges in their lives by using the language appropriately.

What has teaching remotely during a global pandemic taught you?

It has taught me more about compassion, empathy, and humanity. It has also taught me that student’s commitment in difficult times could be so rewarding and motivating for a teacher that classes can become even more enjoyable and rewarding for everybody. It has taught me that there are no limits for learning when there is a goal settled from the heart and your mind is open wide for new adventures.

What advice would you give to a new ESOL teacher or volunteer?

I would tell them to always be kind, extremely patient and to give their hearts before, during and after class. Every student is immensely different and comes from diverse social, economic and educational backgrounds. We have a huge responsibility to guide them in this amazing path of learning.

What have been your favorite pastimes during COVID-19?

My favorite pastimes during COVID-19 have been spending more quality time with my family, playing my guitar and piano, exercising in the mornings and chatting with my best friends at night.

What do you find most rewarding about your work?

The most rewarding thing about my work is to see how my students feel about themselves after each class. How happy and grateful they become when learning. They are my motivation to continue working hard and to make things better. I learn from them every single day and I think that is why a teacher’s heart and soul never grow older.

What is something you learned about your students during this remote teaching period?

I learned many things. The main one being is that they never stop trying. They never give up, despite fears of uncertain times and circumstances.

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Picture of WUMCO Help's location in Poolseville, MD.

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