Excel in Teaching with 51Talk’s Top PHBEE Club Captain: Teacher Irra Marra

It’s difficult to juggle one’s personal and professional life, especially if you’re a parent. However, teacher Irra Marra is an example of someone who excels both as a mother and 51Talk teacher. She even became 51Talk’s Top PHBEE Club Captain for 2020. What does it take to balance life and teaching? Teacher Irra Marra shares her teaching journey with 51Talk.

Before joining 51Talk, she worked as part of the management of a quick-service restaurant for 10 years. When she learned about 51Talk, she did not hesitate to join the platform because teaching is close to her heart. Aside from this, she also wanted to stay home to look after her children. She also shares that back then, she needed to be there for her mother who was a dialysis patient three years ago, when teacher Irra Marra joined 51Talk. Despite some struggles, she enjoyed her lessons because teaching was new to her. After her mother passed away last 2018, she decided to focus on her growth in 51Talk.

In addition to teaching, teacher Irra Marra also loves cooking, singing, and acting! When she was a teenager, she even won her high school’s declamation contest. Interestingly, she’s able to use her acting skills when teaching. Aside from these interests, she also likes drawing and painting, and she has a green thumb, too. People say that she is a supermom because she can care for her family without a helper. However, balancing her life, profession, and hobbies is also possible because of her very supportive husband.

Not only does she shine at home but she also excels as an online English teacher and PHBEE Captain. However, it hasn't been an easy journey. So far, her greatest challenge as a captain has been  to deal with diversity and inclusion within her team. However, she overcame this by being consistent in everything she does, lending an ear to her team, and striving for open communication. These qualities made her become one of 51Talk’s top teacher-leaders in the country.  

Teacher Irra Marra shares that she was overwhelmed with gratitude by the award because she never imagined that all her efforts would succeed. The recognition she received motivates her not just as a teacher and leader but also as a person. She also says, “This recognition is not just for me, but also my team. They are part of it, and they will become one... soon!”

For teacher Irra Marra, being recognized as a teacher-leader means committing to changes. This includes seeing improvements in one’s members, so they can have the courage to become their best selves. She lets her members feel and see that there’s more to their current capabilities. In her opinion, great leaders should always influence others positively, look for a solution rather than focus on the problem, and be versatile. She adds that great leaders are not afraid to share their knowledge, learn from their team, and make mistakes. For teacher Irra Marra, a leader is not a name. Rather, a leader is an example.

Indeed, teacher Irra Marra sets a good example not only for her team but for all PHBEE captains and 51Talk teachers. It’s rare to find a true gem of a person  dedicated to their passion for teaching like her. Currently, her goal for 2021 is to continue teaching and growing in the field of online English teaching.

For aspiring 51Talk teachers, her final message is: “Never doubt your skill and ability to perform. Regardless of what is happening, negativity will arise. Always focus on the prize to reach your goal. Every day is a new day to learn something new, so always be ready for the new you.”

If you want to fulfill your passion for teaching while earning at home, 51Talk offers teachers and professionals a platform to teach English online. Apply now as a 51Talk teacher and become your best self tomorrow.