What does it take to become a Tutor Excellence Award (TEA) winner?

 

Some people believe it comes from years of experience. Others think it comes from mastering teaching techniques. For this month’s featured awardees, however, excellence is built through small, intentional habits that are practiced in every lesson.

For almost 18 years, RareJob has provided opportunities for Filipinos from all walks of life to teach English to Japanese learners. Today, around 1,400 active tutors make up the RareJob community. They include students, working professionals, parents, retirees, senior citizens, and side hustlers who all share one mission: helping students become more confident English speakers.

This month, we are featuring Tutor Sashi, known to her students as Tutor SASHI, and Tutor Era, known in the lesson room as Tutor Garcia.Era. As two of this year’s four Tutor Excellence Award winners, they share the daily habits, meaningful experiences, and valuable lessons that helped shape their success as online English tutors.

 

 

What’s one small thing you never skip before, during, or after every lesson?

Every excellent tutor has a routine that helps create meaningful learning experiences.

For Tutor Sashi, that routine is providing thoughtful and personalized feedback after every lesson.

“I point out what the student did well, explain what they need to work on, and encourage them to keep improving. I also type corrections during the lesson so they can review their mistakes later. I do this because, if I were a student, I would want my tutor to guide me in the same way.”

Her answer reflects a student-first mindset. Instead of simply ending the lesson after the final slide, she ensures every learner leaves with a clear understanding of their strengths and the areas they can continue improving.

Tutor Era believes her most important habit begins with something much simpler.

“I always smile at the beginning of every lesson. Many students are nervous, especially if they’re speaking English with someone they don’t know. When they see me smiling, they become more comfortable and are more willing to speak.”

She believes students learn better when they feel safe making mistakes. A genuine smile helps create that welcoming environment and encourages learners to participate with confidence.

 

 

Can you share one lesson that completely changed your perspective as a tutor?

 

Some of the greatest teaching lessons come directly from students.

Tutor Sashi remembers a learner who requested to use advanced articles from Nikkei Asia instead of the standard lesson materials. The student also preferred not to be interrupted while speaking. Rather than following her usual teaching routine, she respected those preferences and adjusted her approach.

“That experience taught me that every student learns differently. We shouldn’t assume that one approach fits everyone. Since then, I’ve always made it a priority to understand each student’s preferences and adapt my lessons accordingly.”

Her willingness to listen paid off. More than a decade later, that student continues to book lessons with her, making the experience one she will never forget.

Tutor Era’s defining lesson centered on patience.

She recalled teaching a student who struggled to answer even simple questions. At first, she wondered whether the lessons were effective. As time passed, she watched the student’s confidence steadily grow.

“I realized that patience is one of the most important qualities for a tutor. Not everyone has the patience to wait for slow progress, but I believe every student deserves the time they need to improve.”

That experience taught her to appreciate steady progress instead of expecting immediate results.

 

 

 

What separates a good tutor from an excellent one?

 

Both tutors shared different answers, but they pointed to the same principle: always put the student first.

Tutor Sashi believes excellent tutors constantly think about what will help each learner succeed.

“An excellent tutor doesn’t just teach well. They think carefully about what will help each student learn most effectively.”

She allows students to express themselves freely, carefully observes their performance throughout the lesson, and provides personalized feedback before class ends so they know what they did well and what they can improve next.

Tutor Era believes excellent teaching begins with understanding the learner.

“Every student has a different learning style and speed. I try to create a comfortable environment where students aren’t afraid to make mistakes. I encourage them, recognize their progress, and help them build confidence one step at a time.”

For her, confidence is just as important as grammar and vocabulary because students who believe in themselves are more willing to communicate.

 

More Than Teaching English

 

The journey to excellence extends beyond lesson materials.

Tutor Sashi shared that one of the most valuable skills she has developed is learning to understand each student’s personality. Some learners appreciate it when she remembers details from previous conversations, such as their hobbies, pets, or hometowns. Others prefer to focus entirely on learning English. Recognizing those differences has helped her create lessons that feel more personal and comfortable for every student.

Tutor Era, who has been teaching with RareJob for almost eight years, continues to find purpose in every lesson she teaches.

“Teaching isn’t just about explaining grammar or vocabulary. It’s about helping students become more confident and enjoy learning.”

She says every student teaches her something new, making each lesson an opportunity for both the learner and the tutor to continue growing.

 

Celebrating Tutor Excellence

 

As we celebrate Tutor Sashi and Tutor Era, we also celebrate every RareJob tutor who continues to inspire learners through dedication, patience, and compassion. These outstanding educators are two of this year’s four Tutor Excellence Award winners, but their stories represent the values shared across the entire RareJob community.

Whether it is offering detailed feedback, adapting to different learning styles, creating a welcoming atmosphere, or encouraging students through every challenge, excellence is built through consistent actions. For almost 18 years, RareJob tutors have shown that meaningful learning begins with genuine human connection, and every lesson is another opportunity to make a lasting difference in a student’s life.