Teacher: Carla Cash (Ms. Cash) – Grades K, 1, 2
As an educator, my top priority is the best way to communicate the new concepts your student will learn. I was born in Nogales, Sonora Mexico and immigrated to the United States when I was 7. I am very proud of being Mexican and equally proud of living in this great country. Teaching is something I have always wanted to do, for me it is not only a profession but a passion. I have taught for 20 yearsTen of those years I taught in Euless, Texas, during those years I taught Kindergarten. When I moved to Tucson, I found a dynamic school Tucson International Academy, which not only had high academic standards but a rich sense of community. Academically I started at Northern Arizona University but completed my degree online. I taught for 10 years at Metroplex Academy from 1997 – 2007. During that time I taught Kindergarten. When I learned my youngest son had autism, I moved to Tucson, Arizona in 2009. I taught at Tucson International Academy West for 11 years, teaching KG/1st. Thank you for entrusting me with your students.
Click to view or download Mrs. Cash May 23 Newsletter
Teacher: Mithel D. Saladaga (Ms. Myt) – Grades 3, 4 & 5
I knew that I wanted to be a teacher from an early age. I was inspired by my elementary teachers who wholeheartedly gave their all just for us to learn. From then on, I promised myself that I would be someone who would advocate for the welfare of every student that I meet.
I am Mithel D. Saladaga, a licensed professional teacher from the Philippines. I am a proud working student scholar who graduated with a Latin honor at Central Philippine Adventist College with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education – Generalist. I also have completed a one year course within the Bachelor’s of Science in Information Technology at Bukidnon State University. Right after graduation, I was hired by my alma mater to become one of their faculty. I am fortunate to have worked with many seasoned professors who inspired and pushed me to become the best version of myself. Within a span of five years, I taught elementary, middle
school, and college classes in the same institution that had equipped me professionally. I am passionate about teaching all subjects in all grade levels, and I enjoy incorporating technology into my classes.
I believe that understanding students’ learning styles is one of the most important things in teaching and learning because when students are comfortable, they learn the best. Molding young minds to become better versions of themselves is greatly fulfilling for me. It brings me joy and happiness to see every child grow and mature in all aspects of life under my care, and what is much more rewarding is seeing them succeed in any endeavor they pursue in the future.
Teaching in such a diverse culture as TIA, which also puts an emphasis on relationships and not just academic excellence, is an opportunity for me to influence and inspire children from many different walks of life. Let’s make this school year fun and memorable. Blessings!
Teacher: Jennifer Tibayan (Ms. Jen) – Grades 6, 7 Science, English, Math & Social Studies
It’s been my childhood dream to be a teacher. I’ve always wanted to be a part of things that promote greater causes and meaning. I just felt like being part of the educational institution would help me live a life of more significance because education is about connecting and learning with other people. True enough, being a teacher has changed my life, and I love every experience it brings. I have a Master’s degree in Educational Management, and I taught elementary and middle school classes for 5 years in one of the international schools in the Philippines. I also had a 2-year teaching experience at a university. I handled professional education courses for the pre-service teachers.
I firmly believe that every student has a great potential to succeed. We just need to be effective instruments so they can also discover and hone their skills and talents. I am looking forward to a remarkable academic year with the TIA family. I am excited to learn and have fun with all the students.
Xiuqing Sun (Ms. Sun) – Chinese Teacher – All Grades & Campuses
I went to China Communication University and have a degree in Media Management. In China I taught Chinese to foreigners before I moved to the U.S. I’ve been teaching Chinese at TIA since 2012. I have traveled to Thailand, Japan, Korea, China and around the U.S. I cannot give a direct translation but my favorite quote is something like this; “If I walk with two other people, I can learn from at least one of them.” It shows humility and the willingness to learn from different people, regardless of their age, background or beliefs.
April Reidy (Ms. April) – Special Ed
I was born in Anchorage Alaska as an Air Force brat. I moved to Tucson when I was 13 years old. I have an MA in special education and a graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, all from U of A. My husband is from New Zealand so we do a lot of traveling. My son is in the Navy stationed in Japan and My daughter is a sophomore in high school. When not working I am playing with my three big fuzzy fur babies or drinking Starbucks.
Ripley – Ms. April’s Special Service Therapy Dog
“Ripley” is a seven-year-old golden retriever. She has been working in public schools for the last five years. Ripley has been trained both as a service animal and a therapy animal. When she is not in school she visits friends in hospice care. She really enjoys running and playing and especially swimming with her other two fuzzy sisters at home.
Bregida Hibaya (Ms. Bridge) – High School Science & Math
Mabuhay! I am Bregida from the Philippines. My colleagues, friends, and students call me “Ms. Bridge” (over troubled waters). My name aptly describes my mission of providing my students with opportunities for growth and self-discovery so that they may find their school a safe and engaging place to learn. I have completed my Master of Science in Science Education in 2017 from the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines. My more than twenty years of experience as a classroom teacher have equipped my head and heart to go beyond the minimum expectations and reach out to students and parents so that together we can make a difficult task achievable.
Rosanna Permijo (Ms. Ross) – High School ELA/Social Studies
As individuals, I believe that we learn from experiences that shape who we are. I am Ms.Rosanna P. Permijo, 27 years old, and you can call me Ross.
As an educator, education has always been my top priority because my parents always stressed the importance of obtaining an education because they had missed out on that opportunity. They emphasized the importance of education in achieving life success. That was by far the most important lesson I learned when I was in college.
I was a working student-athlete during my college days, and I received a full-ride athletic scholarship from my school and my sponsor. When I stepped into college, I promised myself that I would not waste time or opportunity to graduate because my success was determined by people who helped, supported, believed, and trusted in my ability to graduate despite the obstacles that I faced in life. I struggled at first to balance everything: my training schedule, my job as a salesperson at the mall, and traveling between classes. But I imprinted on my mind and heart that I had scholarship responsibilities and that I needed to demonstrate that my focus was not only on sports or extracurriculars but also on my studies. In addition to this, one of my hopes back then was that I would be with my parents and take them on stage to dedicate my honor to them and to all those who helped and supported me, as well as to those who doubted my ability to become an educator.
In March 2013, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and immediately enrolled in another degree course in Education. I graduated from Maryhill College, Inc. in March 2017 with a Bachelor of Secondary Education degree in ValuesEducation and was immediately hired at a Catholic private school. I’ve been teaching for over six years, with the majority of my time spent in high school. Following that, I completed my academic requirements for the Master of Arts with a major in Religious Education from St. Paul University Manila in May 2020, believing that teachers should be life-long learners.
As one of my favorite verses in Proverbs 16:3 says: “Trust in the Lord in all things, and he will establish your plans.” So, by the grace of God, I graduated from school full of effort, gratitude, perseverance, and dreams.
This year, under the guidance and mentorship of Mr. Philip O. Trejo and my co-teachers, I look forward to making a difference in the lives of the students I meet along the way, believing that every child deserves the best education possible. Because then, I can consider myself a successful teacher if my students reach their full potential. So my goal is to combine my experience with my ability to be a compassionate, cheerful, and passionate teacher who will positively contribute to TIA.
Principal Philip Trejo
Tucson International Academy Campus
1230 East Broadway Blvd.
Tucson, Arizona 85719
Phone (520) 792-3255 ext 1300 OR (520) 624-3448