Autobiography

I was born in Jepara, Indonesia, in a context marked by severe poverty and racial discrimination. My parents, denied educational opportunities due to wartime disruptions and financial hardships, instilled in me early on the harsh realities of adversity. The racial discrimination prevalent in Indonesia during my childhood led to my exclusion from public schools based on my skin color.

Despite these challenges, my resolute father borrowed funds to enroll me in a private Christian school, laying the foundation for my educational journey. Through perseverance and a bit of fortuity, I secured scholarships that allowed me to attain various qualifications, setting the stage for a promising future.

In 2002, as political unrest escalated in Indonesia, my family migrated to New Zealand in search of refuge and new opportunities. New Zealand became the backdrop for the next chapters of my life. Although adjusting to a new country presented its own challenges, I pursued higher education, earning degrees and certificates that shaped my evolving academic career.

I have always been driven by the belief that education is the key to success. This conviction, along with a calling to teach, fueled my determination to overcome obstacles and achieve my goals. My teaching career has taken me internationally to Korea, China, and Indonesia, and eventually to Texas.

For the past six years, Texas has been my home. The diverse and dynamic environment has presented significant challenges, but I am grateful for the resilience that has allowed me to overcome these obstacles. I have realized my dream of becoming a teacher, navigating both challenges and triumphs in my tenure here.

Reflecting on my journey, I recognize that adversity is not an end but a stepping stone to greatness. From the disadvantaged circumstances of my childhood in Indonesia to the successes in Texas classrooms, my career as an educator exemplifies the transformative power of education and unwavering persistence. I proudly identify as an educator and an agent of change, shaped by a journey that defied odds, embraced diversity, and celebrated the triumph of the human spirit.

Educational Issues and Trends

I am actively involved in several key educational issues and trends, including the safe use of technology in the classroom, the implementation of social-emotional learning (SEL), personalized learning, and the promotion of diversity and inclusion.

The integration of technology in education has transformed teaching and learning. Devices like tablets and Chromebooks provide students with immediate access to information. However, to prevent potential negative outcomes, I focus on:

• Implementing technology with appropriate safeguards to enhance lessons.

• Providing interactive and engaging learning experiences.

• Modeling safe and responsible use of online resources.

• Monitoring and addressing any misuse of technology.

Social-emotional learning (SEL) has become increasingly prominent, emphasizing the development of students' emotional regulation, relationship-building, and decision-making skills. In my role as a middle school ESL teacher, I encounter challenges related to SEL, particularly due to limited parental involvement from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Many parents work long hours, which can impede their engagement in their children's education. To address this, I involve parents in multicultural festivals, parent-teacher associations, and other school activities, fostering a stronger connection between home and school. Despite constraints, I remain committed to supporting my students through consistent communication with their parents.

Personalized learning, which tailors education to individual students' strengths and needs, is gaining traction. Given the diverse backgrounds and varying proficiency levels of my students, including those newly arrived and non-English speakers, I use a range of teaching methods and materials to accommodate different learning styles and offer additional support through tutorials.

Promoting diversity and inclusion is central to my teaching philosophy. I strive to create a classroom environment where every student feels valued, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or background. This includes incorporating diverse perspectives into lessons and celebrating various cultural events, such as Hispanic Heritage Month and Black History Month.

Additionally, I have established several free ESL learning centers for adults in the community to encourage parental involvement in education. I firmly believe that collaboration between parents and schools can significantly impact student success.

Dedication and commitment to education: 

.My dedication to education and community service extends beyond the classroom. I am passionate about nurturing both the intellectual and emotional development of my students. My commitment is exemplified by my efforts during the 2020 snow week, when I delivered food and blankets to students' homes despite challenging conditions. My work in establishing free ESL centers and my involvement with the Discovery for Teens charitable organization further demonstrate my dedication to empowering young minds.

My experience in coaching teachers in Indonesia and authoring two ESL books for the Indonesian community reflects my deep passion for education and my desire to support others in achieving success. Additionally, my pursuit of continuous learning, including a recent Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction for Mathematics and certification in science, serves as a model for my students.

My international teaching experience has equipped me with the cultural sensitivity necessary to address students' diverse needs and create an effective learning environment. Moreover, my personal journey from extreme poverty to achieving success through education underscores the transformative power of education.

In conclusion, my passion for teaching, unwavering commitment to my students and community, dedication to lifelong learning, international experience, and personal journey make me a deserving candidate for this award. As an agent of change, I am committed to preparing my students to become thoughtful, responsible citizens who will contribute to a better future.

Inspirational Quote

“A good teacher isn’t someone who gives the answers out to their kids but is understanding of needs and challenges and gives tools to help other people succeed.” — Justin Trudeau

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is grounded in a straightforward belief: Teaching is a craft I deeply enjoy, and I am well-suited for this vocation. While teaching comes with its share of struggles, challenges, and occasional resistance, my role is to inspire students, foster a love for learning, and effectively manage change.