Purposeful teaching is driven by a strong moral and professional compass. Because of this, Madielyn N. Batallones has decided to pursue a career in teaching mathematics for exceptional learners. She is a dynamic educator who does not simply impart knowledge but also recognizes the importance of the academic and personal development of the students.
“Miss B,” as her students affectionately refer to her, is a certified Arizona Standard Professional Teacher for Secondary Mathematics. She is a skilled educator who builds a solid foundation for her students by offering them top-notch mathematics training. She is a committed and meticulous instructor for students with special needs at Paradise Valley High School (PVHS) in Arizona, United States of America (USA).
Her total teaching experience is 19 years. She has been a teacher in the United States for five years, having spent the previous 14 years in the Philippines.
As an educator, she is aware that courses such as algebra, calculus, geometry, statistics, trigonometry, and similar ones can be quite challenging. To motivate her students, she upholds a supportive and respectful attitude and environment. She imposes effective classroom management and student engagement. As an Individualized Education Program (IEP) coordinator, she has a proven track record of improving student results while ensuring compliance with educational regulations.
Miss B actively involves her students in the learning process through different collaborative activities and real-world applications of mathematical principles. She integrates technology and different learning styles to keep her students invested in learning. She promotes interactive learning and diverse instructional strategies to promote problem-based learning.
She has extensive experience as a full-time Learning Disability (LD) and Special Education Teacher (SET) of mathematics in Arizona, USA. She gave service at Paradise Valley High School (August 2021–May 2024) and Empower College Prep School (January 2020–May 2021 and July 2019–December 2019). Following her devotion to students with special needs, she worked as a part-time secondary LD resource at Roadrunner Elementary School (November 2023–May 2024). In the Philippines, Miss B is a licensed secondary mathematics teacher and served at the Batasan Hills National High School in Quezon City (August 2005–July 2019).
In 2019, she relocated to the USA along with her family. While facilitating a general education math class for seventh graders at the Charter School in Phoenix, Arizona, she observed that some children with disabilities encountered difficulties in the subject. She decided to divide them into small groups, and she patiently assisted them. To her satisfaction, with enough attention and special care, the students were able to understand the concept. This event opened the door for her to pursue a career in special education.
Her calling led her to study a Bachelor of Science in Special Education at Trinity University of Asia Cathedral Heights in Quezon City, Philippines (2022- 2023), with a focus on Early Childhood Education.
She had a promising start to her career. Her aunt and uncle inspired her. As teachers, they were both enthusiastic and dedicated.
She prepared for the field by pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Mathematics at Surigao Del Sur Polytechnic State University in Tandag City, Surigao Del Sur, Philippines (1995–1999).
To further enrich her knowledge, she took up a Master of Arts major in Mathematics at the New Era University in Commonwealth, Quezon City, Philippines (2002–2003).
Miss B remains updated on developing an innovative learning environment for her students by being a member of the following organizations: the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET), the Arizona Association of Teachers of Mathematics (AATM), the National Education Association (NEA), and the American Mathematical Society (AMS). In the Philippines, she is acquainted with the Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP) and the Philippine Public School Teachers Association (PPSTA).
She was appointed to the Math District Curriculum Specialists team as a result of her persistent good performance and love of teaching. This committee creates standard lessons for Geometry 1-2 Life Skills (LS) and Algrebra 3-4 LS that align with the current Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum (GVC), curriculum resources, next steps for teaching the course in the 2024-2025 school year, and an implementation plan.
Miss B occasionally receives appreciation. A simple “thank you” makes her feel so proud and energized about teaching. She has a graduate student who pays her regular visits at school. Her students’ parents are always thanking her via email.
She lives by her favorite quote from George Evans: “Every student can learn, just not on the same day or in the same way.” By this virtue, she finds ways where mathematical problems are applicable to real-life scenarios and become easier to understand for her students.
Most of her students like her teaching style. She makes all instructions clear and accommodating. She ensures that all students are treated equally, regardless of disability or capacity. She also provides different resources and modifies some of the test materials to suit the level of understanding of her students. She is a proud Filipino teacher who is, patient, understanding, and resourceful.
Humble beginnings produce resilient people. Miss B, or “Madz” to her family, is the oldest of eight siblings. Her parents did their best to raise them well, despite their challenging situation.
At present, she has been happily married for 22 years and has six kids. She met Arthur Batallones, her husband, during her second year of teaching. Her husband is also a teacher who specializes in math and computer science. They are working in the same district.
They are blessed with six children: five girls and one boy. Their eldest daughter, Margaret, is 19 years old and a nursing student at Grand Canyon University. Their second daughter, Arlyn Reese, is 17 years old and a junior high school student at Paradise Valley High School, following the CREST (STEM) curriculum. Their third daughter, Maureen Antionett, is 13 years old and an upcoming freshman in high school who is a member of the National Honor Society. Their fourth daughter, Jaden Artheane, is eight years old and in the third grade. She is considered gifted for her age. Their fifth daughter, Mary Naneth, is six years old and in the first grade. She excels in math and reading. Their youngest kid, James Matthew, is four years old and is highly loved by his elder siblings. He is presently enrolled in kindergarten.
As Margaret reflects on their journey as a family in the USA, she feels inspired by her mother. “Migrating to the United States was one of the biggest things that ever happened in my life. There were so many things that happened and changed in such a short time. One of these is seeing how my mother inspired her students to become better people. She helps them get back the spark in their lives that they deserve. Watching her develop as a teacher and as a mother inspires me to work harder and to become like her someday. Someone who is very passionate about teaching and lifting others up when they need her. She’s the light of my life.”
Teacher Madielyn N. Batallones is a beacon of hope for her family and students. The life she leads is a reminder that success is best shared when used to help others.
About the Writer
Wilminia Dumaop has 18 years of writing excellence and accolades. She has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards in writing. She is a Grand Prize Awardee of the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. She received honors from the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) and the Lasallian Scholarum Awards. She has recently been associated with Aloysian Publications and The Filipino American Post through her published writings.
