Mariano Marcos
State University

Hawaii-based lecturers inspire CTE students

By Abril Ryan A. Dacanay, Correspondent 

The Mariano Marcos State University-College of Teacher Education (MMSU-CTE) hosted “Global Perspectives in English Education: A Lecture and Mentoring Session” on September 3 at the CTEx Hall, highlighting the importance of international partnerships in advancing academic and professional growth.

Anchored on the theme “Strengthening Academic and Professional Growth through International Partnerships,” the event brought together distinguished alumni and partners from Hawaii to inspire the next generation of teacher-leaders.

Two resource speakers led the session: Mr. Norman Sales, MMSU alumnus and educational leader in Hawaii, and Mr. James Urbaniak, Human Resources Officer and Lead Recruiter of the Hawaii State Department of Education.

A 2024 Hawaii State Teacher of the Year finalist, Mr. Sales shared his experiences as program lead of the Teacher Leaders in Na Kumu Alakaʻi – Teacher Leader Academy, emphasizing teacher leadership, professional growth, and multicultural education in shaping globally competent educators.

Meanwhile, Mr. Urbaniak presented international opportunities for MMSU graduates through the J-1 Visa cultural exchange program, noting that over 50 MMSU alumni are currently serving as teachers in Hawaii, representing 15 percent of the global J-1 program. He also emphasized the value of cultural representation in education, citing that Filipino students make up more than 30 percent of Hawaiʻi’s student population, with 80 percent of them speaking or understanding Ilocano.

The activity formed part of CTE’s Balik Alumni Program, which reconnects MMSU graduates with their alma mater while cultivating partnerships that enhance professional and institutional development. Through the mentoring sessions, students and faculty gained insights on teacher leadership, professional advancement, and international teaching opportunities.

Following the lecture, the guests toured MMSU’s laboratory schools, furthering exchanges of ideas and best practices between alumni abroad and the university community.

OIC Dean Dr. Rosabel Acosta lauded the initiative as an effort to bridge global perspectives with local practice. “This is a step toward preparing MMSU graduates to become educators who are not only competent in their own fields but also globally connected and culturally responsive,” she remarked.

By sustaining alumni partnerships and international linkages, MMSU continues to reaffirm its commitment to producing innovative and globally competitive teacher-educators who can thrive and lead in diverse educational landscapes.