October was a season of rest for our teachers in Cambodia as they enjoyed the much needed break at the end of the academic year. During this time, Sreyka, Sreisros and Dalen reflected on the past year of teaching as they prepared for the new school year with their students in Peam English School, beginning this November.
May their reflections encourage you in your own walk with God as you serve others in your work.
Dalen
My name is Dalen, and I have been teaching English for two years. I currently teach Grade 3 and Grade 4 students. I love working with children, especially those in the villages, because I want to help them learn and grow through language. I also look for new experiences where I can work as part of a team, learn from others, and share what I know to make a difference.
One of the most rewarding moments this year was celebrating Graduation Day. I felt so proud seeing our students succeed after four years of study. For children in the villages, continuing their education is not always easy, but their determination inspired me deeply. Another highlight was our teacher’s retreat and holiday. It was a wonderful time to rest, recharge, and bond with my colleagues.
Of course, there were also challenges. Teaching both fast and slow learners in the same class can be difficult. Grade 3 is often the first year my students learn English. Some already know a little, while others are complete beginners. I have to find creative ways to teach that keep lessons engaging but not overwhelming, especially for those who need extra support.
Some students also come to school hungry and sad because there is no food at home, which makes learning even harder. I try to comfort and encourage them as best I can. I also have students who can be noisy and disruptive, so after class I speak with them privately, give them a short break, and then help them catch up by re-explaining the lesson and assigning extra tasks to keep them focused.
Despite the challenges, I stay motivated because teaching helps me grow, both in my English and as a person. I’ve learned that being a teacher isn’t just about giving lessons; it’s about guiding students to become good people. I’m happy that I can help them learn, grow, and live clean, healthy lives. Before becoming a teacher, I struggled with patience. Now, I’ve learned to respond with kindness and understanding.
I work hard to build trust and strong relationships with my students. When they face problems, I listen without judging them. We talk and pray together. Many come from broken families or live far from their parents, so school becomes a place they love, a space where they are heard and valued. Sometimes they tell me, “Teacher, can you pray for me? I’m scared.” And I always do.
Sreyka
My name is Sreyka, and I’ve been teaching English for four years. I teach Grades 5 and 6. I have always wanted to work in a team and community, and becoming an English teacher has given me that opportunity.
The most rewarding part of teaching this year was Graduation Day. Seeing my students complete their four-year program fills me with joy. What makes me prouder is not just seeing my students graduate, but seeing them come to know God and become part of our community. I also enjoyed our teacher’s retreat, which gave me time to reflect and recharge.
There were challenges too. One major challenge was managing the emotions and mental health of my students, especially those in Grades 5 and 6, who are caught between childhood and adolescence. Their emotions can change quickly, and they often quarrel over small issues. I usually talk and pray with them privately to help them process their feelings. Another challenge is helping shy or anxious students build confidence. I never force them, but give them choices so they can participate comfortably. Sometimes I model an activity first, or let confident students demonstrate, so the shy ones can follow at their own pace.
To build trust, I listen more than I speak. I also visit students’ homes and meet their parents, which helps me understand their circumstances better. Showing forgiveness and correcting with kindness helps students learn to trust me and feel safe to admit mistakes.
Regular teacher meetings and training sessions keep me motivated and help me grow. Having good teaching materials and working with both our Cambodian and Singaporean teams provides great encouragement and support.
This year, I’ve learned to be more patient, fair, and empathetic, both to my students and myself. I’ve also become more mindful of my words and actions. Going forward, I want to continue improving my English and learn better ways to support shy or anxious students.
What I’m most thankful for is the love and trust I’ve earned from my students. After four years of teaching, I’m proud to see them complete our Basic English Learning Program in 2025. I’m grateful that through teaching, I can help connect them with God. Some students have even told me, “Thank you, teacher, for being here when I had nobody.” Those words remind me why I teach: to make a difference in their lives.
Sreisros
I am Sreisros, and I lead the team of teachers at Peam English School. This is my fourth year teaching here. It has been a meaningful year, guiding both teachers and students and helping our school grow within the community.
When my teachers seek advice about classroom challenges, I remind my teachers of their identity in Christ, to imitate Him in how they lead, teach, discipline, and affirm their students. When students are stubborn or unresponsive, I take time to speak with them privately, to understand their struggles and set clear expectations for their behavior.Because our school works closely with the community, I often meet with parents and even the village chief. I’m thankful that they respect us and listen to our advice on helping their children grow. Many parents now fondly call our school the “Jesus School.”
As principal, I ensure that our resources are used wisely to meet the needs of teachers and students. I thank God for the opening of our new classroom and toilet facilities. This will be a blessing to everyone. This year, I’ve grown in leadership and decision-making, though I still see room to improve in communicating my expectations clearly with the teachers. I pray that God will continue to teach me to lead by example and help me build strong relationships with others.
We hope these reflections inspire you to consider how your own work can build others up and create opportunities to draw people closer to God.
Blessings,
LAV