John Pasigay

2024-25 Teacher of the Year: J.E.J. Moore Middle School

Question-Answer Session

John Pasigay

How Long Have You Been Part of the PGCPS Family?
This is my fourth year teaching at J.E.J. Moore Middle School and my ninth year as a teacher. I started my teaching journey in the Philippines in 2016 before moving to Virginia in 2021. This school year, I am also serving as the Tutoring Program Coordinator.

Over the years, my classroom has become more than just a place to learn. It has become my home away from home. Our classroom family has grown, creating a warm and supportive space where every student feels valued and motivated to do their best.

Please Share Your Thoughts on Being Named Teacher of the Year & What This Recognition Means to You.
Being named JEJ Moore Middle School’s Teacher of the Year is a true honor, and I am incredibly humbled to receive this recognition. What makes it even more special is that, to my knowledge, I am the first Filipino teacher to receive this award at our school.

But this award is not just about me. It is a reflection of the trust, support, and encouragement I have received from so many incredible people, both within and beyond our school community. When I arrived in 2021, adjusting to a new country and teaching students from diverse cultural backgrounds was a challenge. I had to learn, adapt, and immerse myself in an entirely new environment. Through it all, I have been truly blessed to have my mentor, Mrs. Rhonda Crites, whom I fondly call my American mom, guiding and supporting me every step of the way.

At first, I was hesitant to show my full potential. I held back some of my skills and talents that I was confident in while teaching in the Philippines. But over the years, I have grown, rediscovered my passion, and embraced the teacher I have always been. Looking back, I see how much I have changed. From struggling with cultural differences in 2021 to becoming a stronger, more confident educator, I owe much of this growth to those who believed in me. My mentor, colleagues and admin leaders kept reminding me of my abilities, even when I doubted myself. They saw something in me that I sometimes couldn’t see in myself.

This recognition is not just my achievement, it represents all the dedicated teachers who work tirelessly and deserve the same honor. More importantly, I want to dedicate this to my fellow Filipino teachers who have left their families behind to build a better future. We know the struggles and sacrifices that come with this journey. At times, we wonder if we are truly seen, valued, or capable of making an impact in a foreign country. But moments like this remind me of why we are here.

Being far from home is never easy, but recognition like this makes every challenge worth it. Winning this award is proof that no matter where you come from, what race you belong to, or what cultural background you carry, you are seen, valued, and capable of making a difference as long as you work with passion, dedication, and heart.

What Inspired You to Enter the World of Teaching and Education?
To be honest, my journey into teaching was never part of my original plan. It happened by chance rather than by choice. I initially intended to pursue a different degree, but I was offered a full scholarship that covered all my educational expenses on one condition: I had to become a teacher. I accepted the opportunity because, otherwise, financial struggles might have forced me to stop studying. Looking back, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made.

At first, teaching was simply a means to an end. But over time, it became my passion, my purpose. What truly inspires me as an educator is the ability to touch the lives of my students, to encourage them to keep learning, to persevere, and to never give up on their dreams. I constantly remind them that education is their right, and their only job is to make the most of it. Instead of getting caught up in distractions, I urge them to cherish this opportunity because education is the key to a better future. Beyond the circumstances that led me here, I believe this question isn’t just about what inspired me to teach but it’s also about who inspired me. There are two incredible individuals who shaped my passion for education, my 5th-grade Math teacher, Hilario Canasa, and my high school mentor, Rowena Hibanada.

Mr. Canasa transformed the way I saw Math. Before his class, I found the subject dull and repetitive. But his creative and engaging teaching style made learning fun, and for the first time, I actually enjoyed Math. His approach taught me that students learn best when they are excited and involved, which is why I strive to make my own classroom just as engaging. I’ve even designed it with a Harry Potter-inspired theme, complete with House Cups to encourage teamwork and motivation. Mrs. Hibanada, on the other hand, set a high standard for excellence. Recognized as one of the top educators in the Philippines in 2008, she was deeply committed to her students and their success. Her passion for teaching and dedication to making a difference inspired me to follow in her
footsteps. She showed me that being an educator isn’t just about delivering lessons, it’s about igniting a spark in students, encouraging them to dream bigger, and helping them reach their full potential.

Both Mr. Canasa and Mrs. Hibanada instilled in me the belief that challenges are opportunities for growth and that teaching is one of the most powerful ways to empower others. Their influence continues to shape my teaching philosophy, reminding me every day of the profound impact a passionate educator can have on students’ futures.

Looking back, what started as an unexpected detour became my true calling. Teaching was never my first choice, but through the lessons I learned from my mentors and the experiences I’ve had in the classroom, I now know, without a doubt, that this is exactly where I’m meant to be.

Do You Have A Special Memory or Moment from This School Year You Would Like to Share?
One of the moments that truly touched my heart this year happened when a student unexpectedly asked me, “Mr. P, have you ever received an award for being a teacher?” At first, I chuckled, thinking she was just making conversation or maybe even hoping for a piece of candy, as my students sometimes do. But when I asked her why she was curious, she looked at me and said, “Because I think you truly deserve it.”

For a moment, I was speechless. I just smiled, but deep inside, I felt something shift. As teachers, we pour so much of our energy, patience, and passion into our students every single day, often wondering if they truly see or appreciate it. And in that small, simple moment, I realized… they do.

That one sentence, from that one student, reignited something in me. It reminded me why I do what I do, why I push through long days, and why I continue to give my best even when things get tough. It was never about awards or recognition but it was about the fact that, to my students, I matter. And as long as even one student believes I am making a difference in their life, that is the greatest reward I could ever receive.

Another unforgettable moment this year was directing "SIKLAB Ignite: A Filipino American Cultural Show" which became possible through Ms. Cabayacruz and the NHS. For the first time, I had the opportunity to share my culture with our students in a way that was meaningful and immersive. Seeing them sing Filipino songs, perform our traditional dances, embrace our music, and proudly wear our cultural attire was an experience beyond words. Even more special was watching them excitedly try Filipino delicacies… experiencing, firsthand, the richness of my heritage.

This is why we, international teachers, are here. We're here not just to teach, but to share and exchange culture, to create connections that extend beyond the classroom. And the impact was clear. Even after the event, people would come up to me, mimicking the way I had passionately announced “SIKLAB IGNITEEEE!” during the show. Their enthusiasm and feedback made it evident that the event was not just memorable, it was a success.

Looking back at these moments, I feel incredibly grateful. These experiences remind me why teaching is more than just a profession… it’s a calling.

Finally, What Do You Consider the Most Important Lesson You Help Students Learn?
If there is one lesson I want my students to learn, it is that “they are capable of becoming more than they ever imagined.”

I always remind them of three things... value your education, dream big, and believe in your potential. Education has the power to change lives, and I know this firsthand. If I hadn’t persevered in my studies, I might not be where I am today. I worked hard, not just for myself, but to build a better future for my family. Looking back, I realize I have grown beyond what I once thought possible.

My students and I may have different backgrounds, and I know that for some, school might feel like just another phase of life. But the truth is, their education is the foundation of everything they will become. The choices they make now, the effort they put in today, will shape their future in ways they may not yet realize.

When I teach math, I don’t just teach numbers and formulas, I teach them how to approach challenges. Just like solving an equation, life will present problems that seem impossible at first. But if they break things down, look for patterns, and apply the right strategies, they will find solutions. I remind them that mistakes are not failures, they are proof that they are learning and growing.

More than anything, I want my students to believe in themselves. If they dream big and work hard, they won’t just meet expectations, they will surpass them. They will become more than what others see in them and, most importantly, more than they ever thought they could be.