The first steps: Learning English with passion
Once it came to my attention that an English class taught by an American teacher, Mrs. Ames, had limited openings available, I did not hesitate. The class was initially aimed at company workers, but I was welcomed regardless. She used the same textbooks as ICPNA in Lima, and I recall attempting to analyze her pronunciation by observing how she enunciated every word and mimicking her. I was probably the happiest student there. Even then, I knew I wasn’t just learning a subject – I was discovering a lifelong passion.
Later, when I moved to Lima, I continued studying at ICPNA and the Británico. Each teacher I had brought their own methods and style to their lessons. I had no doubts when I chose to major in Translation: it felt like the natural next step in my journey.
University life: Deepening my English language skills
University further widened my perspective. I learned that mastering a language was about much more than memorizing vocabulary lists. I explored phonetics, grammar, reading and listening. My favorite tasks involved “Use of English”: word formation, idioms and paraphrasing. Later, Linguistics and Pragmatics stole my heart. It felt like having the best of both worlds – the beauty of expression and the science behind it.
One of the most delightful things about learning English has always been the small, surprising discoveries. I love coming across a new word, then hearing it in a film or recognizing it in a conversation. It’s like being given a secret key to another world.
Experiencing English immersion in Cambridge
Another highlight of my learning journey was the summer I spent in Cambridge taking a summer course. That experience was transformative, not just for the advanced academic content, but for the cultural immersion. Walking through the historic colleges and hearing so many accents also reminded me how important it is for teachers to be students themselves.
The realities of teaching English
Yet, many people think being an English teacher is just about speaking fluently. They remain blissfully unaware of the hours spent preparing a class, the creativity involved in connecting lessons to current events or the effort required to create an environment where students feel encouraged to share their thoughts. Every detail matters. Teaching is as much about empathy and connection as it is about knowledge.
Embracing innovation and community in English teaching
Throughout my career, I’ve tried to stay one step ahead – adapting to new methodologies and technologies in teaching. Working in various institutions over the years, I seized every opportunity to attend conferences, workshops and congresses. Sometimes I was a participant; at other times, a speaker or a moderator. Those experiences didn’t just expand my knowledge; they connected me to a vibrant community of educators who shared the same mission.
One of my most cherished memories is training teachers in Ayacucho and Huaraz. Once a month, I travelled on Friday night to teach throughout Saturday and, subsequently, Sunday mornings. It was exhausting, but rewarding. I’ll never forget the teachers who showed up with bright smiles, ready to learn, motivated to improve their practice for their students. It is this spirit of collaboration and shared purpose that I will never forget.
Adapting to online English education
When online education began to gain ground, I didn’t want to be left behind. I enrolled in a diploma program to learn how it worked. I had ideas brewing for years, but few school principals wanted to take the risk. So, I kept those ideas tucked away – until the pandemic hit. Suddenly, everyone needed solutions fast. It wasn’t a smooth transition. Learning to work with new platforms and adapting content was challenging. But in the end, our team made it work. Our students noticed and appreciated the effort. It was proof that learning – both for teachers and students – never really stops.
Recognition for cultivating lifelong learners in English
One of the most special moments in my life came as a surprise. I received an email telling me someone had nominated me for an award in the “Cultivating Lifelong Learners in English” category. I was stunned that someone had taken the time to write an essay explaining why I deserved it. Even though I didn’t win, getting that email and attending the ceremony made me feel like a winner already. How could I not? That category recognizes teachers who inspire adult learners through empathy and innovation, giving them the confidence to change their opportunities by learning English. Just knowing someone saw me that way was one of the most validating experiences of my entire career.
Around that time, I also learned about the Global Scale of English (GSE) from ɫèAV. I was fascinated to see how it provided a 10–90 scale to assess students’ progress with precision worldwide. What enticed me most was knowing this wasn’t just for English learners – it was being used to assess progress in other languages, too.
Empowering educators through collaboration and innovation
I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of ɫèAV representatives who train teachers to use the GSE effectively, helping colleagues understand its advantages over other assessment methods. Their hard work reflects what I believe about teaching itself: that real impact comes from empowering others, sharing knowledge generously, constantly and consistently seeking improvement.
Ultimately, my experiences prove that learning English is a never-ending experience. Every lesson I’ve taught, every conference I’ve attended, every conversation I’ve had in English has taught me something new. It has granted me opportunities I never could have imagined as a curious child at a mining camp. Today, I continue learning – not just for myself, but for every student I hope to inspire. Because if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that the best teachers are lifelong learners themselves.
