Written by: Dr. Dahlia D. Soriano
In a compelling display of global teaching perspectives, the ETEEAP Capstone Webinar: A Showcase of Professional Expertise, with the theme, “Empowering Educators through Global and Experiential Teaching Practices,” was successfully held on August 2, 2025, via Google Meet. Spearheaded by the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) students and organized through the collaborative efforts of the University Linkages Office and the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA), the event brought together current ETEEAP students employed overseas and incoming Field Study students from the Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) and Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) programs.
This academic year 2025–2026, the BSED program proudly launches its theme: Becoming Empowered Advocates of Competence and Outcomes through Nurturing Learning Communities (BEACON). This capstone webinar served as the official kick-off to the program’s yearlong commitment to fostering empowered, globally competent, and outcomes-driven future educators. It set the tone for a series of activities aimed at cultivating reflective, inclusive, and culturally responsive teaching practices.
This academic engagement transcended borders and disciplines by featuring ETEEAP students currently working in Japan, Australia, and Cambodia. Their presentations reflected not only their professional growth but also the transformative power of experiential, international teaching. More than just a seminar, the event embodied a living curriculum—connecting theory, personal journeys, and best practices in multicultural classrooms.
The ETEEAP Capstone Webinar exemplified the university’s strong advocacy for lifelong learning. Through the ETEEAP framework, which recognizes prior learning and professional experience, non-traditional learners are empowered to complete their degrees while contributing meaningfully to the global education landscape. The featured ETEEAP speakers—Johanna G. Akiyoshi (Japan), Renzo F. Baclayon (Australia), and Jane B. Sungay (Cambodia)—shared deeply insightful presentations based on their real-life teaching experiences abroad, covering topics such as inclusive education, language acquisition, cultural empathy, and professional resilience.
Their sessions brought to life essential themes under the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST):
- Domain 2: Learning Environment – by showcasing adaptive classroom management across cultures
- Domain 4: Curriculum and Planning – through differentiated, inclusive, and learner-responsive strategies
- Domain 6: Community Linkages – by connecting local learning with international practices
- Domain 7: Personal Growth and Professional Development – through reflective teaching journeys
The webinar’s success also lies in its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Promoting equitable and globally informed educational practices
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Celebrating the diverse teaching backgrounds and experiences of ETEEAP students
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Encouraging cross-sectoral collaboration between the Linkages Office, Teacher Education Programs, and international partners
These global goals were embedded in every element of the webinar—from the topics discussed to the cultural diversity of its speakers and participants.
The program was formally opened by Dr. Antonio D. Mangaliag, Dean of the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA), and Dir. Melanie R. Saro, Director of the Linkages Office. Their affirming messages echoed the university’s continuing commitment to global academic engagement and inclusive education. The collaboration between offices not only ensured a seamless execution of the event but also modeled effective institutional synergy—an essential skill future educators must carry forward in their own professional contexts.
Incoming Field Study 1 & 2 students actively participated in the webinar, with many expressing their appreciation for the diverse experiences and lessons shared by the ETEEAP speakers. Feedback from the participants emphasized:
- The value of adaptability, self-awareness, and professional resilience
- A deeper understanding of cultural sensitivity and the role of empathy in teaching
- The importance of inclusive practices and the use of tools like Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- The realization that teaching is a lifelong journey, not just a profession
A recurring sentiment from attendees was the affirmation that great teaching begins with great self-awareness. This insight, echoed throughout the speakers’ stories, reinforced the notion that effective educators must continue learning, adapting, and growing—especially in the face of global shifts in education.
Expertly moderated by fellow ETEEAP students Ms. Osanna O. Malado and Ms. Wyla Flare F. Walsi-en, the event demonstrated not only academic excellence but also leadership development among non-traditional learners. Their hosting added vibrance and professionalism to the program, further reinforcing the core message of the event: that educators, regardless of their background or pathway, have the capacity to lead, inspire, and make meaningful global contributions.
The ETEEAP Capstone Webinar successfully bridged academic knowledge and real-world experience, offering a platform for professional sharing, intercultural dialogue, and peer-to-peer inspiration. More than just a culminating activity, it served as a launchpad for pre-service teachers to envision themselves as globally competent, culturally sensitive, and lifelong learners.
As the university continues to promote inclusive and innovative pathways to education, such activities are testament to its mission of nurturing educators who are not only prepared for the classroom—but prepared for the world.
