Over the past three mornings, several TINFA board members and I had the privilege of joining 64 fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade teachers as they presented their virtual model classes. Every teacher participated, bringing preparation, creativity, and courage to the experience.

Teacher Magda shares her model class on ecosystems.

They were supported by 14 volunteer facilitators—education professionals from Guatemala, including some graduates of the TINFA program—who guided breakout rooms and presentations with generosity and care, as well as Cesar Puac, our coordinator, who organized the events.

What inspired us most was not perfection, but effort. Teachers came prepared, took risks, tried new approaches, and put into practice what they have been learning over the past six months—modeling what learning looks like.

We learned from them, too: Spanish accent rules, Mayan culture, nutrition, and the life and work of Jesús Castillo, the poet and musician from Quetzaltenango. Each lesson was an invitation to discover and connect.

There is more training ahead this year, and hopefully more opportunities next year. There is also time to practice in the classroom and keep building confidence. These three mornings reminded us why this work matters: when teachers keep learning, students benefit.

Teacher Julio Sánchez sharing his experience some of it, in English

Teacher Herlinda Margarita Paxtor, from Escuela San Francisco Chuatuj, also shared how she and her community came together so she could have her own TV in the classroom—a beautiful example of initiative and community support for learning.

Teacher Herlinda proudly sharing a picture of her classroom setting with the group of teachers

Thank you to all the teachers for your commitment, courage, and inspiration—and to TINFA supporters for making initiatives like this possible.