As this school year draws to a close, Peoria Public Schools bids a heartfelt farewell to an extraordinary group of international teachers participating in the J-1 teaching program. Over the past five years, these educators brought with them not only their teaching expertise but also their rich cultures, unique perspectives, and a profound passion for education. Their journey has been one of immense growth and resilience, as they overcame challenges, embraced new experiences, and left an indelible mark on our students, staff, and community. We are honored to share their stories and celebrate the incredible impact they’ve made.
Katherine Mae Sabueto: Leading with Empathy and Compassion
Katherine Mae Sabueto’s time with PPS has been a journey of resilience, growth, and profound connection with her students. Teaching Pre-K at Valeska Hinton Early Childhood Education Center, Katherine brought her Filipino warmth and structure into the classroom, creating a nurturing environment where young learners thrived. One of her most touching experiences was with a child living in a shelter. Initially struggling to understand his challenging behavior, Katherine allowed herself to look deeper, leading with empathy and care. She adjusted her teaching approach to offer him stability, understanding, and a sense of belonging, which forever changed her perspective on her role as an educator.
Katherine’s journey was not without its challenges. Adapting to a new curriculum and culture, while managing homesickness, tested her resilience. Yet, she leaned on the kindness of colleagues and the joy of teaching to grow into a more patient, intentional, and reflective educator. Another turning point came in 2023, with the birth of her daughter, who brought new purpose and joy to her life in the U.S. Katherine’s legacy in PPS is one of compassion and connection, and her students will undoubtedly carry the lessons she instilled in them for years to come.
Donato Natividad: Perseverance and Purpose
For Physical Education teacher Donato Natividad, the past five years at MHS have been marked by perseverance, dedication, and personal growth. Teaching high school students presented challenges, especially as Donato adjusted to new classroom dynamics and cultural expectations. But the most difficult hurdle was being separated from his family for over three years. Despite the loneliness, Donato remained committed to his students and found joy in watching them engage with the physical activities he carefully planned and executed. His ability to connect with students, even across cultural differences, left a lasting impact on their growth and confidence.
When Donato’s family finally joined him in 2024, his journey took on a new sense of fulfillment. The support of his colleagues and the camaraderie he developed with his students helped him thrive in the classroom. Donato’s presence brought a unique perspective to MHS, helping his students appreciate global cultures and fostering respect and inclusivity. His story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of education.
Glecie Regner: Embracing Change with Courage
Glecie Regner’s journey as an English Language Arts teacher at Harold B. Dawson Middle School was shaped by her courage, adaptability, and commitment to growth. Inspired by friends who had participated in the J-1 program, Glecie embraced this opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. Transitioning to a new education system was initially overwhelming, but Glecie’s resilience and willingness to learn helped her navigate the challenges. She credits her growth to her supportive colleagues and the Filipino community in Peoria, who made her feel at home even while being far from her family.
One of Glecie’s proudest moments was connecting with her students through culturally rich lessons and stories. By sharing her background and experiences from the Philippines, she fostered curiosity and open-mindedness in her classroom. Glecie’s dedication to building relationships and her ability to adapt her teaching style to meet her students’ needs helped her grow into a more confident and reflective educator. Her time with PPS is a powerful reminder of the impact of cultural exchange and the strength of an educator’s passion for learning and teaching.
Ana Marie Quijano: Bridging Cultures Through Art
As a visual arts teacher at PHS, Ana Marie Quijano used her passion and creativity to build connections across cultures. She brought Filipino cultural traditions into her lessons, encouraging students to explore their own identities while gaining a global perspective. Ana Marie introduced her students to Filipino art forms, cultural storytelling, and traditional crafts, helping them appreciate the beauty of diversity. Her art classroom became a space of collaboration, creativity, and cultural understanding.
Ana Marie’s journey was also one of personal growth. The arrival of her husband and the birth of her child during her time in Peoria added a new dimension to her life as an educator and parent. Managing these transitions while continuing to teach with passion required strength and adaptability. Ana Marie leaves PPS as a more reflective and globally minded educator, taking with her the lessons and experiences that will inspire her future students and colleagues.
Shella Cadimas: A Champion for Multilingual Learners
Shella Cadimas’ journey from the Philippines to Lincoln K-8 was driven by her unwavering passion for education and her commitment to helping multilingual learners succeed. As an ESL and English Language Arts teacher, Shella brought culturally responsive teaching practices into her classroom, empowering her students through guided reading, contextual learning, and vocabulary-building activities. She shared Filipino cultural values, such as “bayanihan” (community cooperation), and introduced her students to Filipino language and traditions. These moments became powerful teaching tools, sparking curiosity and building cultural awareness. One of Shella’s most memorable moments was sharing her personal narrative with her students, encouraging them to do the same. This exchange created meaningful connections, deepened trust, and helped her students see the value of their own voices.
Despite the challenges of being far from home, Shella approached every obstacle with resilience and faith. Homesickness and cultural differences tested her resolve, but she found strength in her faith, her colleagues, and the Filipino community in Peoria, who became like family to her. Over the past five years, Shella has grown into a reflective, empowered educator who values collaboration and student-centered learning. As she returns to the Philippines, she plans to bring the lessons, strategies, and inspiration she gained from her time in Peoria to her home country, continuing her mission to create inclusive, effective learning environments for all students.
Kimberly Dantes: Bridging Cultures Through Language
Kimberly Dantes dedicated her time at Northmoor Primary to supporting multilingual learners and sharing her Filipino heritage in creative and impactful ways. As an ESL teacher for K-4 students, Kimberly worked tirelessly to help her students develop their English skills while exposing them to global perspectives. One of her most memorable contributions was teaching her students a Filipino song and dance, complete with traditional food that she prepared herself. This cultural celebration didn’t just make an impact on her students—it was also featured in district newsletters and training sessions, exemplifying how Kimberly seamlessly wove cultural exchange into her teaching. Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new environment, learning to drive in the U.S., and navigating homesickness, Kimberly’s resilience and positivity shone through, allowing her to form deep connections with her students and colleagues.
What Kimberly enjoyed most during her time in the district was the opportunity to work with students from all over the world, including those from Mexico, France, and the Philippines. Seeing her students’ progress in language proficiency and confidence brought her immense joy and fulfillment. Her presence as an international teacher helped students develop a better understanding of global cultures, fostering curiosity and respect for diversity. Kimberly’s journey also helped her grow as an educator, making her more confident, patient, and resilient. As she returns home, she takes with her the invaluable lessons she gained during her five years with PPS—lessons that will continue to inspire her students for years to come.
Luvies Malalay: Inspiring Students Through Science and Culture
Luvies Malalay’s journey as a middle school science teacher at Elise Ford Allen Academy was one of passion, creativity, and resilience. Luvies made her classroom a space where cultural exchange and collaboration thrived. Her enthusiasm for teaching extended beyond the science curriculum, as she organized cultural fairs for her students. These events featured Filipino dances, such as the folk dance Cariñosa, and traditional delicacies, offering her students a firsthand experience of her heritage. Despite the challenges of adapting to new classroom management styles and navigating transportation difficulties in her first year, Luvies demonstrated extraordinary grit and determination. She sought support from veteran teachers, attended professional development sessions, and adjusted her teaching methods to create a culturally responsive and inclusive classroom environment.
What Luvies valued most about her time in the district was the opportunity for continuous growth, whether through professional development or the cultural exchange activities she hosted. She believes her presence as an international teacher helped her students develop a global perspective and understand the importance of respecting cultural differences. Through her creativity, patience, and “bayanihan” (community-centered learning), Luvies not only enriched her students’ education but also fostered a sense of unity and respect in her classroom. As she returns to the Philippines, Luvies leaves behind a legacy of collaboration, cultural awareness, and passion for learning.
Cayetano Polancos: Creativity in Special Education
Cayetano Polancos brought innovation and enthusiasm to his role as a special education teacher at RA Jamieson School. With a background in physical therapy and special education, Cayetano embraced every opportunity to make learning accessible and engaging for his students. He used creative approaches, such as incorporating art and theater into his lessons, to connect with his high-needs students. One of his most cherished memories was organizing a stage play called The Island Princess and participating in school-wide events like Black History Month and Chinese New Year celebrations. These activities not only engaged his students but also allowed them to shine in ways they hadn’t before. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new education system, Cayetano’s dedication and willingness to learn helped him thrive and leave a lasting impact on his school community.
Cayetano’s presence as an international teacher gave his students a firsthand experience of cultural diversity, helping them become more open-minded and respectful of differences. His ability to integrate Filipino values like “malasakit” (compassion) into his teaching strengthened his relationships with both students and colleagues. Over the past five years, Cayetano has grown into a more confident and flexible educator, gaining valuable insights into inclusive teaching practices. As he prepares to return to the Philippines, he carries with him the lessons he learned in the district, as well as cherished memories of his students’ growth and achievements.
Jennifer Malabosa: Empowering Students Through Technology
At Von Steuben Middle School, Jennifer Malabosa made technology accessible and exciting for her students. Teaching Designing Solutions to 6th and 7th graders, Jennifer introduced hands-on, interactive lessons that empowered her students to master coding, Microsoft Office tools, and digital literacy. One of her proudest moments was watching her students confidently use these skills in their projects, knowing that she had played a role in preparing them for the digital age. Jennifer’s journey wasn’t without its challenges—she initially struggled with district technology systems and adapting to a new teaching environment. However, through perseverance, collaboration, and support from her colleagues, she overcame these obstacles and grew into a more confident, innovative educator.
Jennifer’s presence as an international teacher helped her students develop respect for diversity and a curiosity about global cultures. She frequently shared her Filipino heritage with her students and colleagues, whether through cultural presentations or delicious Filipino dishes. Her ability to blend cultural exchange with technical education created a unique and enriching classroom experience. As she returns home, Jennifer leaves behind a legacy of empowered, tech-savvy students and a school community that will always remember her creativity and dedication.
Alma Ojeda: Science and Global Perspectives
As a science teacher at RHS, Alma Ojeda brought a global perspective to her classroom, inspiring her students to think critically and embrace diversity. Alma taught a variety of subjects, including Biology, Chemistry, and Horticulture, where she incorporated lessons about her Filipino heritage. One of her most memorable moments was when she introduced a culturally inspired lesson, sparking curiosity and meaningful discussions among her students. Alma faced challenges in adapting to classroom management styles and being away from her family, but she approached these difficulties with an open mind and a willingness to learn. By observing her colleagues and blending Filipino teaching methods with student-centered approaches, Alma created a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.
What Alma appreciated most about her time in the district was the supportive and collaborative community she found among students, teachers, and staff. Her presence as an international teacher helped broaden her students’ understanding of global cultures, encouraging them to be more open-minded and respectful. Alma’s five years in the J-1 program have shaped her into a more flexible and confident educator, and she is eager to bring the lessons she learned back to the Philippines to inspire her future students.
Lea Chavez: Building Confidence in Math
As an Algebra 1 teacher at PHS, Lea Chavez transformed her classroom into a space where students could overcome their fear of math and build confidence in their abilities. Lea’s patient and encouraging teaching style helped her students feel supported, even during moments of struggle. One of her most impactful experiences was when a student thanked her for not giving up on them, despite their initial resistance to learning math. This moment reinforced Lea’s belief in the power of relationships and the importance of seeing potential in every student. Teaching in the U.S. presented challenges, including adapting to a new education system and building connections with students after the disruptions of COVID-19, but Lea faced these obstacles with resilience and determination.
Lea’s ability to integrate Filipino values like perseverance and compassion into her teaching left a lasting impression on her students and colleagues. Her presence as an international teacher helped her students develop a greater appreciation for cultural diversity and global perspectives. Over the past five years, Lea has grown into a more adaptable, reflective, and confident educator. As she returns to the Philippines, she carries with her the lessons of patience, encouragement, and the transformative power of education.
Raissa Tiongson: Strength and Community in Education
Raissa Tiongson’s journey as a science and social studies teacher at Glen Oak CLC was marked by resilience and a deep commitment to her students. Raissa faced significant challenges early on, particularly in managing classroom behavior and adjusting to a new education system. However, she drew strength from her supportive colleagues and the welcoming community at Glen Oak, which she describes as one of the highlights of her experience. By fostering an environment of collaboration and cultural exchange, Raissa created a space where her students could engage in meaningful conversations about global perspectives.
One of Raissa’s proudest achievements was increasing cultural awareness among her students by introducing lessons that compared cultural norms and practices. Her presence as an international teacher encouraged her students to think critically about their own beliefs and values while developing respect for differences. Raissa’s time in the district has shaped her into a more adaptable and reflective educator, and she plans to use the skills and insights she gained to continue making a difference in education back home.
To our incredible J-1 teachers: your time with Peoria Public Schools has been nothing short of inspiring. You stepped into unfamiliar territory, overcame challenges with courage and grace, and enriched our classrooms with your culture, creativity, and passion. You have touched the lives of countless students, broadened their horizons, and made a lasting impact on our district.
Thank you all for sharing your hearts, talents, and stories with us. May your journey home be filled with gratitude, joy, and the knowledge that you will always have a home in Peoria Public Schools. We wish you all the best in the next chapter of your journey.