From the Philippines to New Jersey: Finding Talented Special Education Teachers Worldwide

If there’s one thing Katryn Joy Eli believes in, it’s that distance does not limit impact. Hailing all the way from Manila, Philippines, Ms. Eli virtually teaches Special Education students in New Jersey through Proximity Learning. Proximity’s live virtual teaching model connects certified teachers from around the world to students in need of a high-quality education. With over 11 years of experience in Special Education, Ms. Eli equips her students with crucial life skills by teaching them Personal Finance.

Fighting the Special Education teaching shortage

Historically, Special Education is one of the toughest teaching vacancies to fill. 39 out of 50 U.S. states reported Special Education vacancies for the 2024-2025 school year. Ms. Eli was a Special Education teacher in the United States for over 5 years before moving back to her home country. Experienced in teaching in the U.S., Ms. Eli applied to a Special Education job through Proximity Learning and found herself connected to her passion once again. “I’m very grateful for Proximity Learning, that I still get the chance to do teaching, even though I’m very far away from the U.S,” said Ms. Eli.

Ms. Eli’s interest in Special Education began to grow through a close cousin of hers who is deaf and mute. Growing up with her cousin and occasionally attending her school exposed Ms. Eli to a new world of learning and teaching. She recalled, “When I started choosing my program in college, I was thinking, ‘I want to be something that could be helpful for her.’” Today, Ms. Eli accomplishes her goal by preparing special education students for the real world.

What does a typical day look like in a virtual special education classroom?

In Ms. Eli’s virtual special education classroom, progress is made by establishing routines. She starts off class by asking her students would-you-rather questions, enabling them to form their own opinions and share them freely. Then, she tells them the objectives of the class to give them the knowledge they need to start the day. When they move on to the bulk of the class and start a new lesson, Ms. Eli integrates different forms of technology to immerse her students in the content. 

How do virtual special education teachers make a difference?

Virtual special education teachers utilize technology to deliver customized instruction to their students that will enhance their learning. In accordance with students’ Individualized Education Programs, Ms. Eli differentiates her instruction to accommodate every student’s learning capabilities. As a Personal Finance teacher, Ms. Eli wants to ensure that her students know the importance of the content matter. “I just don’t want to teach them numbers,” said Ms. Eli. “I want to teach them how they are going to use it, the practical side.” Enter: web app script simulators that Ms. Eli’s students use to imitate real-life situations.

When Ms. Eli began to teach her students about banking, they had a lot of questions. “They started asking questions like, ‘When I’m an adult, can I do this? If I do this with my savings, will I earn a lot?’“ explained Ms. Eli. Through an online banking simulator, Ms. Eli’s students are able to recreate the experience of owning their own checking and savings accounts, paying bills, transferring money, moving money to savings accounts, and more. 

But the simulators don’t stop there. Ms. Eli also has her students learn through grocery shopping and housing simulators that grow complex as the content matter becomes more challenging. The housing simulator has them assess different housing options in New Jersey and calculate the payoff based on their jobs and estimated salaries. The grocery shopping simulator allows students to select different-priced items they can add to their cart and check out. Every action that Ms. Eli’s students learn to do independently prepares them for the future.

Preparing the future, for the future

Through every lesson and simulator, Ms. Eli’s students gain insight into the real world that lies ahead. Rather than waiting for them to encounter these experiences, Ms. Eli sets up a safe environment for them to explore and develop these critical skills. “I know they can and will be a great help to society as they become knowledgeable of their finances,” said Ms. Eli as she reflected on the importance of learning about personal finance.

What impact do virtual special education teachers have on students?

Virtual special education teachers have a lasting impact on their students as they remember the lessons they learned in class. Ms. Eli recalls parents telling her that their children will often mention content she taught in class. As a teacher of students with disabilities, Ms. Eli acknowledges that not all of her students will remember her. “They won’t really remember me as their teacher, but they remember what I taught them,” shared Ms. Eli, appreciating the fact that she can leave an imprint on her students. 

Chasing the extraordinary with Proximity Learning

Ms. Eli knows that teaching Special Education students is a two-way street where their success is fueled by unconditionally believing in them. As an experienced teacher, Ms. Eli is always ready to expect the unexpected, and it is this unknown that drives her passion for teaching. 

“There is no lesson, no day in special education that is common. Everything is extraordinary,” said Ms Eli.

Proximity Learning is committed to providing your students with the kind of teacher who never loses excitement in teaching them. Every student deserves a teacher who will engage them and change their lives beyond the classroom. Proximity knows who these teachers are, and they’re ready to meet your students. No matter the subject or student, equal instruction starts at Proximity Learning.

Leverage synchronous virtual learning for superior student engagement in every classroom by hiring extraordinary teachers for extraordinary students today.