A Filipina was recognized as “Teacher of the Year” in the United States Virgin Islands.

Cristina Marie Senosa, a teacher at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, became the first international teacher who was named “2021-2022 State Teacher of the Year” by the Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) last May 10.

In an interview with DZMM, Senosa said her journey to getting the title of State Teacher of the Year” was an “overwhelming experience.”

“Di ko lang po kasi dinadalawa ‘yung distrito ko, at tsaka ‘yung school ko (It’s not just my district and my school that I am representing). I also lift the banner -- the flag of the Philippines very high,” Senosa said.

Senosa said she along with the other nominees went through a rigorous process.

Nominees were chosen by their respective schools, according to Senosa.

“Ang hinahanap nila meron kang (They are looking for teachers who have) classroom involvement, good relationship and rapport sa (with) parents and the community, tapos meron kang (and those who have) extra-curricular activities and certified teacher ka sa (in) Virgin Islands,” she said.

She said nominees were judged based on a lesson demonstration and a face-to-face interview where they were asked about their respective platforms or advocacies which they wish to promote.

Senosa said the platform she presented was “E-Connect (Educators Connect),” a private group on Facebook where teachers share tips with each other on distance learning or synchronous and asynchronous learning.

The Filipina teacher said she also provides training to group members on topics like learning engagement and how to electrify a classroom.

Senosa left Iloilo in 2012 to teach in Doha, Qatar. After her contract expired in 2016, she got an opportunity to teach in the US Virgin Islands.