The Lasting Impact of Global Educators

Meet three educators who are making a global impact in our virtual classrooms. There are great teachers all around the world, and at Proximity Learning, we’re lucky to work with some of the best virtual certified teachers in the industry. Some of our teachers even have the unique experience of living abroad and sharing their experiences and expertise with our students. We are excited to spotlight three amazing virtual educators who teach from abroad: Ms. Tayong, Mr. Antone, and Ms. Torrefranca–three incredible international virtual teachers who bring their unique backgrounds and experiences to students across the United States. 

Ms. Sweetheart Tayong, High School Science Teacher; Biology and Physics, based in the Philippines

When Proximity Learning high school virtual teacher, Ms. Tayong first set out on her academic journey, following in her mother’s footsteps and teaching was not part of the plan. Growing up in the Philippines, she viewed education as a pathway to financial stability rather than a personal calling. A government scholarship allowed her to pursue a degree in education, but it wasn’t until she witnessed her mother’s unwavering dedication to her students—going so far as to house struggling learners to help them succeed—that she truly understood the power of teaching.

Ms. Tayong’s international background and time as a teacher in the United States helped shape her pedagogy skills and gained her valuable experience in the field of education. Over the years she honed her craft and was able to use her versatile approaches in her lesson planning and took those skills with her into virtual classroom spaces. 

Ms. Tayong says, “My international background (as a former J-1 teacher) has greatly shaped my teaching style and approach. My time in the U.S. broadened my perspective on education and underscored the importance of cross-cultural communication, and I've carried that wealth of experience back with me. I strive to adapt my teaching methods to meet the unique needs of every student, ensuring my lessons are both engaging and inclusive regardless of cultural background. Even though I’m teaching virtually, I maintain a strong connection with my students through close collaboration with my teaching assistant. Our open communication before and after lessons mirrors the supportive environment of a traditional classroom or PLC as we collaborate to ensure best practices. Ultimately, my international experience has deepened my commitment to a passionate, student-centered approach, one where enthusiasm and understanding inspire students to reach their full potential.”

A Legacy of Her Own

Ms. Tayong became part of a “teaching legacy” after starting her career in the classroom, eventually cultivating decades of experience and watching her students bloom over time. 

“I witnessed the profound impact of my mother’s dedication,” she explains. 

“Even at 74, she continues to work at the only college in our city, earning deep respect from her students through her unwavering care and commitment. Despite our own hardships, she consistently went above and beyond to help others. Many of these students went on to achieve their dreams, becoming school principals and supervisors, thanks to her kindness and support. My mother’s example showed me that teaching is not only a noble profession but also a powerful way to make a positive difference in the lives of others.” 

Experience with Proximity Learning

Ms. Tayong speaks candidly and affectionately about transitioning from her brick-and-mortar classroom to a virtual teaching position noting that it has allowed her more flexibility and creativity in her job role. 

“I couldn’t be prouder to be part of Proximity Learning. It’s an ‘all in one shop’ for teachers. Everything is provided, including the slides, assessments, grading system, the meetings and even guided notes for the students, they are ready and prepared!” 

“What I enjoy most about teaching virtually with PLI is the freedom and flexibility it offers. Not only can I manage my time more effectively and be there for my children, but I also have the creative liberty to design and deliver lessons that truly resonate with my students. Being part of this organization allows me to craft engaging lesson plans and interactive classes from the comfort of my home, making every teaching moment both personally and professionally fulfilling,” she says. 

Creating Connections in the Virtual Classroom

For Ms. Tayong, creating meaningful connections in a virtual classroom isn’t just a goal—it’s a daily practice. She understands that engagement starts with giving every student a voice, no matter their communication style. More than anything, Ms. Tayong is committed to building a respectful, inclusive environment where students feel seen, valued, and empowered to share their learning experiences—because learning is most impactful when it reflects the voices of those in the room.

Ms. Tayong says, “In my virtual classroom, I strive to connect with students and bridge cultural differences through a range of practical strategies. I regularly use digital tools like discussion boards and interactive polls on Nearpod to spark participation and give students various ways to share their ideas. I also incorporate interactive checkpoints by asking students to explain and read their answers aloud, which not only reinforces their understanding but also promotes open dialogue.” 

“Drawing from my face-to-face teaching experience, I design lessons that build steadily toward end-of-year assessments, ensuring a consistent and clear learning journey. Additionally, I work hard to establish a respectful and inclusive online culture by setting clear guidelines for communication and creating opportunities for students to share their cultural experiences. This combination of techniques helps make our virtual interactions as engaging and effective as those in a traditional classroom.”

Looking Forward to the Future of Virtual Education

The future of virtual education isn’t just about technology—it’s about the teachers who bring resilience, optimism, and inspiration into their classrooms every day. For Ms. Tayong, teaching is more than a profession; it’s a lifelong commitment to uplifting students, no matter the challenges. 

Ms. Tayong says, “Virtual teachers like myself are shaping the future of education by inspiring resilience and a positive mindset in our students. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself of the reasons why I became a teacher. Over my 23-year career, I’ve received heartfelt messages from former students both in the Philippines and the US—many of whom are now educators. They’ve shared that my unwavering optimism, even in the midst of challenges, has inspired them to persevere. This ongoing cycle of inspiration motivates me to encourage both myself and my students to view obstacles as temporary and to always keep moving forward with a smile.”

Mr. Chris Antone, Social Studies Department Chair, based in Japan

Mr. Chris Antone’s virtual teaching journey is anything but conventional. 

Mr. Antone currently teaches Social Studies from Japan and brings a global perspective to his students at Proximity Learning, blending cultural insights with historical narratives to create a richer virtual learning experience. For Mr. Antone, virtual education isn’t just about convenience; it’s about expanding opportunities for students who might have otherwise been left behind.

The Road Less Traveled By Teachers

It was a wonderful and supportive English teacher in high school who ultimately influenced Mr. Antone’s decision to eventually pursue the teaching profession. He admittedly says he took a longer road to get there after leaving college early to enlist in the Marine Corps due to the need for more financial and job security. 

From serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, to working in the aerospace industry with Boeing, Mr. Antone’s path to the classroom was shaped by resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning. 

“I joined [the Marine Corps] in June of 2001 thinking, ‘Peacetime is an awesome time to join, easy money for food and college!’ But then, 9/11 happened when I was just a week or so from graduating boot camp. My plans were suddenly changed and I eventually left the Marine Corps but not before I met and married my Japanese wife.” 

After that fateful time, Mr. Antone says he transitioned to L3 Communications, which later merged with Boeing, where he dedicated 14 years of his career. During this time, he attended the University of Kentucky full-time while working night shifts, ultimately graduating with a 3.8 GPA—a testament to his resilience and determination, especially after an earlier college experience that didn’t go as planned.

Sometimes, life’s unexpected challenges open doors we never anticipated. The pandemic ended up having a lasting impact on Mr. Antone and his family as they had to navigate a complicated visa process and it eventually influenced him to step into the world of online teaching—as a virtual educator. Through Proximity Learning, he completed his student teaching and embraced the new path ahead, proving that resilience and adaptability can turn obstacles into fresh beginnings.

Cultural Perspective Abroad 

Teaching across cultures isn’t just about sharing knowledge—it’s about understanding perspectives. For Mr. Antone, his journey through the U.S. Marine Corps, marriage to a Japanese woman, and experience raising bilingual children have all shaped the way he connects with students. 

He’s taught in both Japan and the U.S., working with students from diverse backgrounds, and one thing remains constant: every student, no matter where they’re from, wants to be understood. His own upbringing in a single-parent household gives him a deep empathy for students facing challenges. By drawing from his own experiences, he creates a learning environment where students feel seen, valued, and connected—no matter where they are in the world.

“We here at Proximity Learning are often serving students from areas that are underserved. I can very much relate to many of the students. When a student says their father is not around, I can relate. When a student is embarrassed by their home situation, I can relate. If a student is from a different country and is having difficulties connecting with people, I am experiencing that right now,” Mr. Antone shares. 

The Virtual Teaching Connection

According to Mr. Antone, virtual teaching is more than just a shift in format—it’s a shift in mindset. While it may seem easier without the extra duties of a traditional classroom, the real challenge lies in building authentic connections with students across a screen. For virtual teachers like Mr. Antone, adapting to this new landscape means embracing creativity, patience, and the ever-evolving role of technology in education. 

“As virtual teachers, if you want to be effective, we have to find a different way to make that connection over the internet. It will be frustrating sometimes, but you will learn new skills that will be valuable both in virtual teaching and in brick and mortar classrooms.” 

Looking ahead, He sees online education as a powerful tool for expanding access to quality instruction, and he remains committed to refining his teaching approach, staying flexible, and continuously growing alongside his students in this digital age.

“I look forward to constantly learning how to be better. I hope to have flexibility in both my teaching and my understanding of how to approach the teaching environment. Virtual teaching has helped me look at teaching in a different way, in a good way, and I am always looking for ways to improve on myself and my teaching.”

Ms. Dianne Jayne Torrefranca, Science and Social Studies, based in the Philippines

For Ms. Torrefranca, teaching isn’t just about imparting knowledge—it’s about opening doors, fostering connections, and inspiring students to see the world differently. In the Philippines, she witnessed firsthand how education can transform lives and empower entire communities. That passion led her to the virtual classroom, where she now connects with students from diverse backgrounds. Through Proximity Learning, she’s discovered the power of technology to make education more engaging, accessible, and personal. 

More Than A Profession: A Calling

For Ms. Torrefranca, teaching is not just a job—it’s a calling rooted in a deep belief that education has the power to change lives. That realization fueled her passion to become an educator, someone who empowers students to overcome challenges and celebrate their growth. But her journey didn’t stop there. Stepping beyond her own borders, she sought to teach internationally, eager to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and share the rich values of Filipino culture—hard work, warmth, and an unwavering respect for education. 

“Teaching internationally allows me to connect with students from diverse backgrounds while sharing my love for learning. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how education transcends borders and unites us all. More than anything, I hope to inspire my students to dream big, embrace new perspectives, and believe in their own potential,” Ms. Torrefranca says.

Teaching Without Borders at Proximity Learning

Teaching with Proximity Learning has redefined what it means to be an educator for Ms. Torrefranca. Unlike traditional classroom teaching, virtual education offers a level of flexibility that allows her to balance her career while remaining present for her family. But beyond convenience, it has also challenged her to think outside the box—finding innovative ways to engage virtual students and create dynamic, interactive lessons that make virtual learning meaningful. 

“I love the opportunity to interact with students from different backgrounds and introduce them to digital tools that enhance their learning experience. It’s exciting to see how technology can make lessons more engaging and interactive, helping students stay focused and participate actively. Seeing their curiosity and confidence grow, even in a virtual space, is incredibly rewarding,” she says. 

Embracing Culture in the Classroom

Teaching in an international setting has given Ms. Torrefranca a deeper understanding of how students learn and connect with the world. Every virtual classroom is a blend of unique experiences, and she strives to create an inclusive space where students feel valued and engaged. Whether she is sharing stories of Filipino traditions, the importance of family, or the joy found in simple moments, she hopes to inspire her students to embrace their own identities, appreciate different cultures, and recognize their power to grow and create change.

“I want my students to see that no matter where they come from, they have the power to learn, grow, and make a difference in the world,” she says. 

Find out more about how our live certified domestic and international teachers can enrich your students’ classroom experience. Contact us today.