MEET THE DEPARTING EDUCATOR — Ms. JoAnn Espanola, LPT, M.Ed., Physical Education Teacher

Welcome back to our Departing Educator series, honoring team members who came to MAS from other countries to teach in the U.S. on a J-1 visa, a time-limited exchange visa for educators. As Ms. Espanola’s J-1 visa term comes to a close, she will be leaving the U.S. and returning to the Philippines after five years at MAS. Along the way, she built close relationships with students and colleagues who became like family, and she credits our Founder & CEO, along with the school’s leadership team, for supporting her growth during her time here.

Based at our Yale campus, Ms. Espanola taught physical education and coached cross country and track and field. She also supported students through Silent Sustained Reading (SSR), Rocket Math, and instructor-led Khan Academy work in class, and helped create parts of the 3rd- and 4th-grade Read Aloud Curriculum. 

Meet Ms. Espanola in their own words…

MAS: Let’s start at the beginning… Where are you from, and where are you headed next?

MS. ESPANOLA: I am from the Philippines, and yes, I will be returning there.

MAS: What is one of your favorite memories from your time at MAS?

MS. ESPANOLA: One of my favorite memories at MAS was building meaningful relationships with students and seeing their growth over the years, both academically and personally. I will always be grateful to Ms. JoAnn Mitchell for being a great leader and mentor, the Leadership Team, and to all the amazing staff at MAS who became part of my journey and made my experience truly memorable.

MAS: What will you miss most about your experience at MAS?

MS. ESPANOLA: I will miss my students, coworkers, and the supportive community at MAS. The connections and memories I made there will always have a special place in my heart.

MAS: What will you miss most about your time in the U.S.?

MS. ESPANOLA: I will miss the experiences, opportunities, and the people who became like family during my stay here.

MAS: While you were in the U.S., did you travel? If so, what were some of your favorite destinations?

MS. ESPANOLA: Yes, I had the opportunity to travel while in the U.S. Some of my favorite places were Las Vegas, California, Arizona, Colorado, and several beautiful spots in New Mexico. I especially enjoyed visiting parks, scenic mountains, and experiencing different cultures and foods.

MAS: What advice would you offer to others who are coming to teach in the U.S.?

MS. ESPANOLA: Be open-minded, flexible, and willing to learn from different cultures and experiences. Teaching in the U.S. can be challenging at first, but it is also rewarding and life changing. Build strong relationships with students and colleagues, and always remember your purpose as an educator.

MAS: What are your plans for work when you return home?

MS. ESPANOLA: I plan to continue teaching and use the knowledge and experiences I gained from MAS to help students in the Philippines. I also hope to continue growing professionally in the field of physical education, health, music, and arts.

MAS: What are a few things you’re most looking forward to doing or eating when you get to where you’re going next?

MS. ESPANOLA: I am looking forward to spending more time with my family, reconnecting with friends, and enjoying Filipino foods like grilled seafood, lechon, and other home-cooked meals that I’ve missed.

MAS: Do you have any plans to return to the United States to visit or work in the future?

MS. ESPANOLA: Yes, I would love to return to the United States in the future, especially if I am given another opportunity to teach and continue making a positive impact on students. My experience at MAS has helped me grow so much both professionally and personally, and I would be grateful for the chance to work again in a school community that values education, relationships, and student success. I would also love to visit the friends and colleagues who became like family during my time here.

MAS: Last question: What was your favorite restaurant in Albuquerque and what was your go-to order when you dined or took out from there?

MS. ESPANOLA: My favorite restaurant in Albuquerque was Tamashi Sushi & Japanese Cuisine (two locations in Albuquerque). I loved their sushi rolls and ramen. It became one of my favorite places to relax, enjoy good food, and spend time with family and friends.