Welcome back to our “Teacher Feature Series,” where we spotlight educators who teach online across borders. In this installment, we share the story of Jessica Simpson and her teaching journey with 51Talk American Academy, now known as HAWO American Academy.
Jessica, can you tell us what you do and about your educational background?
My name is Jessica Simpson. I work as an ESL teacher for 51Talk/HAWO, delivering online English lessons to students abroad. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Early and Late Childhood Education from Pittsburgh State University, which laid the foundation for my work with young learners online.
How did you find your role at 51Talk/HAWO, and how long have you been with the company?
After spending four years as a stay-at-home mom, I wanted to return to teaching in a way that still allowed me to be present for my children. I searched job boards and discovered a listing for 51Talk that promised flexible hours and the ability to teach from home. It seemed like the perfect bridge back into education. I applied, interviewed, completed training, and began teaching in November 2016. The flexibility and the opportunity to reconnect with teaching made it an ideal fit.
What do you find most rewarding about teaching with 51Talk/HAWO?
Two things stand out as the most rewarding. First, I can genuinely impact my students’ futures by helping them learn English, a skill that opens doors academically and professionally. Second, I get to share in the small but meaningful milestones: a child recognizing colors, forming their first full sentence, or confidently answering a question. Those moments are incredibly gratifying and remind me why I teach.
Can you share a surprising or memorable experience from online teaching?
One memorable case began with a free trial lesson. The student was very young and didn’t understand English at all. For that first session I used lots of props, visual aids, high energy, and positive reinforcement to make the lesson engaging. A week later the family enrolled, and I continued teaching the child at the same time every day. Over eight months I watched the student progress from nonverbal participation to full conversations about their weekend, school lessons, and even telling jokes. Seeing that development was both surprising and deeply rewarding—proof that consistent, patient online instruction truly works.
Some teachers hesitate to teach online. What advice would you give to educators considering remote teaching?
I was hesitant at first too, having come from a traditional classroom setting. My advice is to keep an open mind and experiment with a schedule that fits your life. Online teaching uses many of the same skills as in-person instruction—planning, classroom management, and building rapport—so trust your teaching instincts. Embrace the technology gradually and be patient with the learning curve. The flexibility and reach of online ESL teaching make it well worth adapting to.
If you mentored new teachers, what key lessons would you share?
If I were mentoring new teachers, I’d start with practical tips: share how I structure my schedule, when I open classes, and how I balance work with family life. I’d also emphasize cultural awareness—understanding students’ backgrounds and classroom expectations helps a lot. Finally, I’d encourage new teachers to remain upbeat and do their best. Sometimes students are distracted or disengaged; if you can leave a lesson knowing you tried your best, that’s a success and you can move on positively to your next class.
What is something interesting we don’t know about you?
I have two children—a five-year-old and an almost three-year-old—and I’ve chosen not to post any pictures of them online. I value that privacy and keep my family life separate from my online presence.
Who has influenced you the most, and how?
My mother has been the biggest influence in my life. When you’re young you may not notice everything a parent does, but becoming a mother myself revealed how much she sacrificed and the patience she showed. Her dedication to caring and teaching has shaped how I parent and how I teach. I hope to emulate her strength and compassion.
If you could learn a new skill, what would it be and why?
I would learn to code. It’s a skill that would let me create apps or digital tools—something exciting given how much education increasingly relies on technology. Being able to build solutions would be empowering and could even enhance online teaching resources.
If a movie were made about your life, who would you like to play you and why?
I would love for Sandra Bullock to play me. She comes across as down-to-earth, relatable, and warm—qualities I admire and try to reflect in both my parenting and teaching.
Thank you, Jessica! Stay tuned for more teacher interviews coming soon.