MEET THE DEPARTING EDUCATOR — Mr. Alejandro Bacabac, M.A., 5th & 6th Grade English Language Arts & Test Prep Teacher

Today’s post honoring team members who came to MAS Charter School from other countries to teach in the U.S. on a J-1 visa, a time-limited exchange visa for educators, focuses on Mr. Alejandro Bacabac, M.A. As his J-1 visa term comes to a close, Mr. Bacabac will leave the U.S. and return to the Philippines, closing a five-year chapter that began in July of 2021. During that time, he built friendships and found support for his professional development at MAS. He also made space for the everyday moments with students that stay with a teacher.

Based at our Yale campus, Mr. Bacabac taught students across grades 1 through 6, starting as a 1st and 2nd Grade Reading Mastery Teacher before moving into test prep and English Language Arts. Outside school, he soaked up New Mexican cuisine, enjoyed all four seasons, and checked off places he once saw only on a screen, from the Grand Canyon to the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Meet Mr. Bacabac in his own words…

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

MR. BACABAC: I am from the Philippines, and I will be returning there.

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

MR. BACABAC: The friendships and support I found throughout my five years there. The everyday moments with students and coworkers are the ones I’ll always remember most. I’m also proud that I had the opportunity to teach students from 1st through 6th grade during my time at MAS. It felt great to watch them grow, gain confidence, and develop over the years.

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

MR. BACABAC: I’ll miss the students, the friendships I built with my coworkers, and the sense of community that made MAS feel like a second home. I’ll also miss the professional development trainings the school provided, because they helped me grow as a teacher and as a person.

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

MR. BACABAC: I’ll miss the people I met, the experiences and memories I gained, the New Mexican food I learned to love, and getting to experience all four seasons.

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

MR. BACABAC: One of the most exciting parts of coming to the U.S. was getting to visit places I had only seen before on TV and online, like the Grand Canyon, Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. The unexpected trips and experiences along the way made the journey even more memorable.

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

MR. BACABAC: Come with an open mind, patience, and flexibility. Teaching in the U.S. can feel rewarding, and it can feel challenging at first, since the school culture, student behavior, and expectations may differ from what you’re used to. Ask questions and ask for help from coworkers and administrators. Build good relationships with students, parents, and fellow teachers. Give yourself grace while adjusting, since it takes time to adapt to a new environment and teaching system. Remember why you chose teaching. Some days feel tough, and your impact on students lasts. Embrace the experience, learn from each challenge, and celebrate small victories.

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

MR. BACABAC: I plan to continue teaching and use everything I learned from my experience in the U.S. to become a better educator and mentor to my students back home. I also hope to share the teaching strategies and lessons I learned from my time at MAS to help create an engaging and supportive learning environment for my students.

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

MR. BACABAC: I’m looking forward to spending time with my family again, eating home-cooked Filipino food, having my favorite chicken and sweet spaghetti meal from Jollibee, and going back to the beautiful beaches and waterfalls. I also miss the hot, humid weather and the comforting feeling of rainy days back home.

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

MR. BACABAC: Yes, I would love to visit again someday and reconnect with the people and places that became part of my life here.

MAS: Last question… What were your favorite restaurants in Albuquerque, and what were your go-to orders?

MR. BACABAC: One of the restaurants I learned to love here in Albuquerque is Sadie’s on 5400 Academy Rd. Their stuffed sopaipilla became one of my comfort meals, and their tacos are some of the best I’ve had here. I also can’t leave out Frontier Restaurant near The University of New Mexico. Their Bonanza Burger and fries became one of my favorite go-to meals during my time in Albuquerque.

From all of us at MAS, thank you, Mr. Bacabac, for the care, consistency, expertise, and heart you brought to our Yale campus students. Your work in reading mastery, test prep, and English Language Arts helped students grow in skill and confidence. We wish you safe travels back to the Philippines and continued success in the work ahead.