Hello, my name is Teacher Carissa and I am from the Philippines. I am a TFETP Foreign English Teacher in Taiwan. I arrived in Taiwan on October 18, 2024, and am currently teaching at Pei Ying Elementary School in Hemei Township, Changhua County. It gives me great joy to share my knowledge and expertise with the students and teachers in Taiwan.

I believe that language learning is not just about acquiring grammar and vocabulary—it is about building confidence, creating connection, and opening doors to the world. My teaching philosophy centers on helping students develop real communicative competence, not just classroom performance.

I view my students as capable learners with unique backgrounds, interests, and abilities. Many Taiwanese learners grow up in test-driven environments, where English is treated as an academic subject rather than a living language. My goal is to change that mindset by making English engaging, interactive, and meaningful.

In my classroom, students are encouraged to use English for real communication, not just to memorize rules. I design lessons that are student-centered, task-based, and contextualized to everyday life. Through storytelling, games, role plays, songs, and group activities, students are immersed in language in ways that feel natural and fun.

I also understand the importance of cultural awareness and aim to make English a bridge, not a barrier. I incorporate aspects of global and local culture to help students see English as a tool for understanding the world, not just passing exams.

Teaching in Taiwan has taught me the importance of patience, consistency, and building trust. I believe that every student can succeed when given the right support, encouragement, and opportunities to explore language at their own pace. As an educator, I continuously reflect, adapt, and grow so I can meet the needs of my students and help them become confident, motivated language users.