MANILA, Philippines – From a quiet coastal town in Catmon, Cebu to a diverse classroom in New Mexico, USA, Dr. Cheryl N. Chan’s journey reflects resilience, sacrifice, and a lifelong commitment to transforming lives through education.
 |
| Photo courtesy: Dr. Cheryl N. Chan |
In an exclusive interview with The Summit Express, Dr. Chan shared her inspiring story of growth as an educator and Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in the United States.
At 43, she serves as an elementary teacher at Cottonwood Elementary School in Carlsbad, New Mexico, where she supports bilingual learners, students with disabilities, and struggling readers in an inclusive classroom setting.
Born to a dressmaker mother and a construction worker father, she grew up in a humble household where financial hardship shaped her early life, yet education remained her strongest foundation for hope and opportunity.
She said, “I learned early in life that success is not determined by where you come from, but by your willingness to work hard, keep learning, and never give up.”
Her academic journey led her to Cebu Normal University, where she completed her Bachelor of Elementary Education and later passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) in 2004.
She later pursued advanced studies in early childhood and special education, earning a Doctor of Development Education degree from Cebu Technological University in 2025.
Before moving abroad, Dr. Chan built a strong career in the Philippines at Pajo Elementary School in Lapu-Lapu City, where she rose from Teacher I to Master Teacher I through years of dedication and service.
She became known as a mentor, trainer, and resource speaker, contributing significantly to literacy instruction and professional development among fellow educators.
In 2021, she made the life-changing decision to move to the United States, joining many Overseas Filipino Workers who leave home in pursuit of growth, opportunity, and better futures for their families.
Behind that decision was sacrifice—distance from loved ones, emotional struggles, and the courage to rebuild her career in a new educational system.
She said, “My family became my source of strength and encouragement. Those experiences taught me resilience, adaptability, and gratitude.”
In America, Dr. Chan continued her mission, championing inclusive education and literacy innovation grounded in evidence-based practices such as the Science of Reading.
One of her most impactful initiatives transformed first-grade students into published authors, giving young learners the opportunity to see their voices in print.
The project produced two student-authored books, Wonderful World and Cottonwood Elementary: Where My Big Dream Begins, strengthening literacy skills while building confidence and creativity.
The initiative was widely recognized for blending structured literacy with authentic publishing experiences that deeply engage young learners.
In 2026, Dr. Chan received the Innovation in Special Education Award from the Filipino International Educators Association in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco.
 |
| Photo courtesy: Dr. Cheryl N. Chan |
She was also recognized by Carlsbad Municipal Schools for outstanding achievement in reading and math proficiency and her contributions to inclusive education.
She reflected, “Awards are meaningful because they affirm the value of the work, but the greatest reward is seeing students grow, overcome challenges, and discover their potential.”
Today, she continues to advocate for literacy development, inclusive education, and teacher empowerment, aiming to expand programs that support both educators and learners.
Her story stands as a powerful reminder of Filipino educators’ global impact—highly skilled, deeply compassionate, and capable of transforming classrooms anywhere in the world.
— The Summit Express
Start the conversation. Share your thoughts, insights, or reactions, and connect with fellow readers.