Meet The Team — Ms. Chatlyn Padirayon, Middle School Science Teacher

In Ms. Padirayon’s classroom, curiosity is the starting point, and science is a tool for making sense of the world. She teaches sixth-grade science at our Old Coors campus, drawing on years of teaching experience, including being named 2023–2024 Teacher of the Year at Oceanway Middle School in Jacksonville, Florida. She is also completing a master’s thesis in science education! Meet Ms. Padirayon, in her own words…

MAS: Let’s start at the beginning. Where did you grow up, and what did you want to be when you were younger?

MS. PADIRAYON: I grew up in a small town in Cavite, Philippines. Growing up, I really wanted to become a dentist, but studying dentistry in the Philippines was expensive and my parents couldn’t afford it. I decided to take up education, majoring in biology, with the plan of pursuing dentistry afterward, but along the way, I fell in love with teaching.

MAS: Tell us about your education and what you are working on now.

MS. PADIRAYON: I earned my Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in biology, from Philippine Normal University in Manila, Philippines, and graduated in 2014. I am now completing working on my Master of Arts in Education with a focus on science education.

MAS: What has your teaching journey looked like before MAS?

MS. PADIRAYON: I taught in the Philippines at both the elementary and high school levels. In the U.S., I served as a science teacher at Oceanway Middle School in Jacksonville, FL, for five years, and it was there that I was recognized as the 2023–2024 Teacher of the Year. Before joining MAS, I also worked with Paterson School District in Paterson, New Jersey, as a science teacher.

MAS: You were named Teacher of the Year, then made a big move. Why MAS, and why now?

MS. PADIRAYON: I chose MAS because of its strong academic structure, high expectations, and supportive culture, all of which align with my values as an educator.

MAS: Being new to MAS, what has surprised you so far?

MS. PADIRAYON: What has surprised me the most is the strong school and well-structured systems. Everything from classroom routines to academic expectations is clearly defined and consistently implemented across grade levels. It makes teaching easier and more effective because students already understand what’s expected of them. It creates order, accountability, and focus, so teachers can spend more time on instruction and engagement rather than procedures.

MAS: What is your teaching philosophy, and why does it work well for MAS students?

MS. PADIRAYON: My teaching philosophy centers on innovation and continuous learning. Change is constant, especially in education, so I work to adapt and align my strategies to meet students’ needs. I seek new ways to make learning engaging and relevant by integrating technology, inquiry, and real-world applications. This works well for MAS students because they are naturally curious, diverse, and open to exploration. By modeling adaptability and lifelong learning, I encourage them to embrace challenges, think creatively, and become problem-solvers.

MAS: What do you want families to know about MAS?

MS. PADIRAYON: MAS is a well-structured school with clear expectations and high standards. Every system and procedure is thoughtfully designed to support both teachers and students in achieving excellence. The structure, consistent support, and culture of high expectations bring out the best in everyone.

MAS: You mentioned your master’s thesis. How close are you to finishing?

MS. PADIRAYON: If everything goes well, I will be able to graduate this Spring!

MAS: What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?

MS. PADIRAYON: Aside from teaching, I’m also passionate about dancing. I was a member of a dance group in both high school and college, and I still enjoy doing dance covers in my spare time. Dancing keeps me energized and creative, and it’s my way of expressing myself beyond the classroom.

MAS: Last question… What’s your favorite restaurant in town and your go-to order?

MS. PADIRAYON: My favorite restaurant is Olive Garden (multiple locations in Albuquerque) because I absolutely love pasta. My go-to order is the Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara, but I always ask to have the chicken made crispy. I also love their calamari and chicken and gnocchi soup.