Welcome to our ongoing thought-leadership series with 51Talk. In this installment we speak with Isaac Johnson-Tyas, who recently joined 51Talk to strengthen support for teachers and to improve internal operations. Isaac works behind the scenes to connect teacher communication, recognition, and socialization efforts with operational decision-making, helping to bridge two cultures for better educational outcomes.
Tell us about yourself, your education, and your experience before joining 51Talk
My name is Isaac Johnson-Tyas. I have worked in education since 2008 across Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and China. I am passionate about education technology and about helping organizations succeed by focusing on people. In my time in Saudi Arabia, for example, I learned the value of bringing different perspectives to the table so organizations can make better, more informed decisions.
What is your official role at 51Talk and what do you do?
My title is Teacher Engagement and Operations Manager. Although the title combines two areas, my day-to-day work focuses on building teacher engagement through clearer communication, meaningful recognition, and purposeful socialization. I also collaborate with operations teams to review and refine processes by listening to all stakeholders and helping translate their feedback into practical, data-informed decisions. The role is intentionally cross-functional: it ensures teachers’ voices are heard while supporting operational improvements.
Why is this position critical to the company’s success?
Teachers are at the heart of any education organization. Improving the teacher experience is essential to retaining high-quality instructors. When teachers are supported and engaged, they deliver better lessons, which in turn improves student satisfaction and retention. Ultimately, our mission is to provide a high-quality learning experience for students, and that relies on the quality and stability of our teaching workforce.
How are you building bridges between American educators and Chinese administrators?
Building cultural and professional bridges starts with recognizing a simple truth: beyond labels such as “educator” or “administrator,” we are all people with the same overarching goal—student learning. Geographic distance can create assumptions and misunderstandings, so the first step is to foster regular, respectful communication that aligns everyone around decisions that clearly benefit students. When both sides frame choices in terms of student outcomes, it becomes easier to find common ground and collaborate effectively.
What has been your biggest achievement so far?
I don’t aim to make dramatic changes overnight. My biggest achievement has been making steady, practical improvements that quietly enhance the day-to-day experiences of teachers and colleagues. These incremental changes—improving communication channels, refining recognition systems, and creating small opportunities for social connection—add up to meaningful impact over time.
What challenge has been most significant, and how have you addressed it?
The largest challenge has been navigating legacy systems and established habits. Communication across teams has the most room for improvement. To address that, I’ve prioritized listening: talking with teachers, tech teams, trainers, department heads, and developers. Asking questions and genuinely seeking to understand different perspectives helps us uncover practical solutions. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I’m committed to continuous learning and to facilitating conversations that lead to better outcomes.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My day starts early: a morning jog, a quick breakfast, and a couple of focused hours on projects before the main workday. From mid-morning to late afternoon I attend meetings, respond to emails, and advance both ongoing and new initiatives. What makes my days enjoyable are the people—keeping the atmosphere fun and energetic helps sustain enthusiasm and creativity. I often look for small ways to build rapport, whether sharing a snack, offering an authentic compliment, or starting an offbeat conversation to see who’s really listening.
What is your favorite part of the job?
I love working with talented people and hearing teachers’ stories. Feedback—positive or constructive—is essential to any organization’s growth. Connecting with teachers, learning from their experiences, and helping turn their insights into tangible improvements is the most rewarding part of my work.
Any announcements or upcoming projects?
The era of teacher engagement is here. We are preparing several new engagement initiatives focused on communication, recognition, and social connection that will roll out soon. We also welcome ideas from our community—if a proposed project clearly ties to improved student learning, it will be seriously considered. Collaboration and creativity will help us keep this work both effective and enjoyable.
What’s next for 51Talk as we approach the new year?
As we move forward, 51Talk aims to remain a leader in online education in China and beyond. By continuing to invest in teacher engagement, operational excellence, and cross-cultural collaboration, we hope to strengthen our position and deliver even better learning experiences for students around the world.