As singing is one of her life’s greatest pleasures, Teacher Tinny Blair makes every lesson with her beloved Chinese kids enjoyable through music.
No one can deny the magic of music, as singing is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Suppose a teacher with a big smile and a sweet voice teaching her beloved Chinese kids to learn English through music. Now that would be something a lot of kids would find quite enjoyable.
One such teacher is 29-year old Tinny Blair who became a familiar face to English language learners in China after appearing in several popular television variety shows where she showcased her talents and fun personality. Tinny uses the Beijing-based 51Talk online education platform to connect with her students and conduct her online English lessons along with 30,000 other Filipinos. 51Talk teachers like Tinny enjoy the perks, pay, and convenience of a home-based livelihood especially now in the age of the pandemic.
Tinny finished a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management and she was a coffee shop barista for five years before becoming a tennis coach. In March 2020 when the pandemic hit, her job was affected because of the lockdowns so she searched for an opportunity she can do online at home, safe from COVID-19. Tinny learned about 51Talk through social media and after seeing videos of 51Talk teachers conducting lessons, she was both intrigued and inspired to become one herself.
“I was newly married when I learned about this opportunity. My husband supported me in pursuing this since it was my childhood dream to become a teacher. He enjoys watching me teach and this inspired us to prepare for our future family soon,” shared Tinny, who is about to celebrate a year using the 51Talk platform.
“Being a home-based teacher is very convenient for both of us given the flexible schedule. It is also safe because I don’t have to leave home so getting infected from the virus is far from our minds,” she added.
Every time Tinny conducts her lessons, her students are always in for a special musical treat. “Whenever a new student sees me get my guitar, I notice that they become more focused and interested. As a music-lover myself, incorporating music in my lessons helps me break down syllables into tunes so that it will be easier for them to remember,” she explained.
Through music, Tinny helps her young students come out of their shells by encouraging them to sing along with her and as a result, the parents also love her. Aside from singing, Tinny has been playing musical instruments for almost 20 years now like the piano and the guitar.
Tinny also loves baking as a hobby. One time during her student’s birthday, she baked a cake and surprised her student on-screen which made the student feel special.
With the kind of devotion, love and commitment Tinny exhibit during her lessons, it isn’t a surprise that a lot of her students have formed a bond with her and have significantly progressed in their English language education
“Being in 51Talk is more than just a teaching experience. I’m very happy to be in 51Talk and to see my students grow not just intellectually, but also in character. I would love to witness their transformation in becoming a better person and to be with them in their highs and lows. In everything I do, I ensure that I do all things with love,” said Tinny
51Talk is looking for thousands of home-based online teachers to give one-on-one English lessons. You can earn up to Php80K as a full-time teacher and enjoy a wide range of perks –
