Learn about building online professional learning communities with Merry Cora, 51Talk teaching specialist. Interview conducted by Kerry Gallagher.
This interview features Merry Cora, a 51Talk kids’ specialist who describes her experience working with the company and how she built a warm, respectful online professional learning community. Cora discusses what drew her to 51Talk, how politeness shaped her classroom and online practice, and offers practical tips for teachers who are new to online ESL teaching.
Working at 51Talk
Cora explains that she has seen clear progress in students after just a few months using 51Talk’s lessons and units. “Students young and old are learning English through 51Talk every day,” she says. “I am happy to be part of their learning journey.”
Although she has been with 51Talk for only a little over eight months, Cora has already built a strong professional network grounded in one simple principle: courteous behavior. She believes politeness matters deeply and notes that when teachers model respectful communication, families and students respond in kind. Her previous urban public school required strict decorum from staff, but at 51Talk she finds a more supportive environment where kindness pays off in stronger relationships and lasting student loyalty.
Manners Make a Difference
Cora finds that her polite, patient approach resonates with both students and parents. Parents appreciate the extra attention she gives their children, and many families book long-term lessons with her. Her students represent a wide range—from a shy young girl who wants to practice before school to an aspiring doctor returning to lessons after a demanding exam period—but they share a common affection for her, often calling her “Grandma.” That nickname reflects the trust and warmth she brings to each lesson, and it helps create a stable, positive learning environment.
Online Teaching and Freedom
After an unexpected surgery, Cora realized she could transition out of her tenured public school role and work full time with 51Talk. She recalls the moment she told her husband, “I could do 51Talk full time. I could make 51Talk work. I could be free!” Embracing this change allowed her to open more teaching slots, increase her availability, and let her professional learning community grow organically.
Teaching and Freedom-Merry Cora and family
Tips for New Teachers
When she started with 51Talk, Cora focused on professional growth by completing every training opportunity available. She credits trainers and training courses for deepening her skills and connecting her to other teachers. “Teachers should take every training class possible,” she advises. “You don’t know what you don’t know, and training helps you find solutions and meet colleagues who can share practical tips.”
Through training, Cora learned to manage technical glitches calmly and to keep distracted students engaged. She emphasizes that the 51Talk admin and support teams provide essential daily assistance, and that polite, clear communication within the company goes a long way. Simple phrases like “please” and “thank you” help build goodwill and make problem-solving smoother for everyone involved.
An Average Day at 51Talk
Cora typically starts early—around 4:30 a.m.—and finishes before lunchtime, leaving her afternoons and evenings free. That schedule gives her flexibility to enjoy outdoor activities, social time, or travel, and she sometimes teaches evening lessons as well. The flexibility of online ESL work allowed her to balance family responsibilities while earning a comfortable income.
Create Realistic Goals and Expectations for Success
Technical problems happen, but Cora advises not to let them undermine the learning experience. Follow established protocols, stay composed, and focus on solutions. She recommends setting realistic short- and long-term goals—plans for the next two weeks, two months, and two years—in areas such as completed trainings, lessons taught, service scores, promotions, and earnings. Making a roadmap helps new teachers pace themselves and measure steady progress without burning out.
Final Thoughts
“I take the time to say thank you and good night,” Cora says. She encourages fellow teachers during trainings and avoids letting technical setbacks become emotional roadblocks. Instead, she relies on logical problem solving and keeps interactions positive. Her approach shows how politeness and professionalism can foster loyalty, positive reviews, and a strong online professional learning community.
Being composed and courteous has helped Merry Cora build lasting relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, and it remains at the heart of her success teaching online. For those interested in online ESL teaching, Cora’s experience highlights the value of training, clear communication, realistic goal-setting, and the freedom that a well-managed online schedule can offer.
Merry Cora
If you want to learn more about teaching opportunities with 51Talk, visit the company’s official website for details about applying, available training, and platform features.