MEET THE DEPARTING EDUCATOR — Ms. Mary Ann Gabisan, M.A., 7th Grade Mathematics Teacher

This is the final post in our Departing Educator series, featuring 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. Ms. Gabisan’s J-1 visa term ended last week, and she is returning to the Philippines, wrapping up a chapter that began when she joined Team MAS in July of 2021.

At our Yale campus, Ms. Gabisan taught 7th grade math and watched students build confidence through steady practice and hard work. She also made time to explore the U.S., from desert canyons to mountain towns, and she looks forward to family time, Filipino food, church, and creating new memories back home.

Meet Ms. Gabisan in her own words…

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

MS. GABISAN: One of my favorite memories was seeing my students grow academically and personally throughout the 2024-2025 school year. It was rewarding to see them achieve the highest growth on the mandatory state tests, which reflected their hard work and perseverance. Watching my students become more confident in mathematics, participate in class, and celebrate their progress after challenging lessons and assessments stayed with me. I also enjoyed collaborating with coworkers, joining school events, and building relationships with students and families.

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

MS. GABISAN: What I will miss most is the strong sense of family and the relationships I built with students, coworkers, and families. I will miss the professional development trainings that helped me grow as an educator. I will also miss seeing my students build confidence and achieve academic success, along with the collaboration and support from my colleagues.

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

MS. GABISAN: What I will miss most about my time in the United States is the chance to experience different cultures, travel to beautiful places, and build friendships and memories. The experience helped me grow personally and professionally.

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

MS. GABISAN: I traveled to several places that stayed with me. In Arizona, I visited Phoenix and explored the Grand Canyon National Park, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Sedona, and Monument Valley. In Colorado, I visited Denver and Telluride and enjoyed the mountain scenery and outdoor attractions. In Utah, I explored natural attractions with unique rock formations and hiking trails. In California, I traveled to Los Angeles and San Diego and visited the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios Hollywood, Santa Monica Pier, Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and the seals at La Jolla Cove. I also traveled to Las Vegas and saw attractions along the Las Vegas Strip, including the Bellagio fountains and entertainment venues.

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

MS. GABISAN: Remain open-minded, flexible, and willing to learn from different cultures and educational practices. Teaching in the U.S. can feel rewarding and challenging, and classrooms include students with different backgrounds and needs. Build positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to support learning. Develop strong classroom management, stay organized, and use data-driven instruction to monitor progress. Join professional development and collaborate with other teachers to help you adjust. Outside the classroom, take time to explore cities, national parks, and cultural sites when you can. Stay patient, resilient, and positive as you learn your way through a new system.

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

MS. GABISAN: My first priority is to spend more time with my family and strengthen relationships I missed while working abroad. I also look forward to serving God and taking part in faith-based and community activities focused on compassion and service. Professionally, I plan to continue working in education and use the strategies and experiences I gained while teaching in the United States. I want to support stronger mathematics instruction through student-centered and data-driven teaching that builds critical thinking, engagement, and academic growth. I also plan to share best practices, classroom management strategies, and instructional techniques with other educators through collaboration, mentoring, and professional development. I want to stay involved in education and community programs that support student leadership, cultural exchange, and academic excellence.

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. GABISAN: I look forward to spending time with my family and reconnecting with loved ones. I am excited to eat Filipino foods again, including adobo, lechon, sinigang, grilled seafood, halo-halo, and local delicacies from my hometown. I look forward to church activities and community events. I also want to explore nature, enjoy beaches, hike, and travel to scenic places around the Philippines. I also enjoy photography and video, so I look forward to filming and capturing moments, landscapes, and cultural experiences.

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

MS. GABISAN: Yes, I would love to return to the United States in the future, either to visit or possibly for professional opportunities if given the chance. I would like to revisit places I traveled to and reconnect with friends, colleagues, and students. I would also be open to educational, cultural exchange, or professional development programs.

MAS: Last question: What were your favorite restaurants in Albuquerque, and what were your go-to orders when you dined or took out from there?

MS. GABISAN: One of my favorite restaurants in Albuquerque was Yoshi Mame at 4410 Wyoming Blvd. My go-to meals were sushi, ramen, and teriyaki dishes. I also enjoyed Basil Leaf Vietnamese Restaurant at 1225 Eubank Blvd. NE, where I liked the flavorful dishes and warm atmosphere.

From all of us at MAS, thank you, Ms. Gabisan, for the care you brought to your students and the pride you took in their growth. We wish you safe travels back to the Philippines, steady joy with family, and a strong next chapter in your work and life.