Tucson International Academy

Jessa Raycel Raquinel is a dedicated educator with a strong passion for helping students grow in their mastery of the English language. With almost a decade of experience in teaching across diverse settings, she has worked with learners from primary to tertiary levels, as well as international students seeking to improve their communication skills. Jessa earned her Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English and went on to complete her Master of Arts in Education major in English Language at the University of St. La Salle.

Her academic foundation has equipped her to teach not only grammar and communication but also literature, language arts, and broader cultural perspectives. She began her career teaching English to Chinese learners online and later served as an Educational Cultural Ambassador in Japan, where she immersed high school students in English language learning through cultural exchange.

Back in the Philippines, she has taught at both the high school and college levels, handling subjects such as Philippine, British, and World Literature, Purposive Communication, and English pedagogy for future educators. Beyond classroom teaching, Jessa took on leadership roles, including English Subject Coordinator and College Instructor and Designee at St. John's Institute, where she supervised fellow educators, reviewed lesson plans and assessments, and helped shape instructional quality.

At Carlos Hilado Memorial State University, she continued to serve not only as a faculty member but also as a University Student Government Adviser, Internal Quality Auditor, and Resource Person for External Relations. Committed to her own professional growth, Jessa has participated in numerous training programs focusing on classroom management, transformational teaching, gender sensitivity, and educational innovation.

At the heart of her work is a simple goal: to inspire students to find their voice, think critically, and approach learning with curiosity and confidence. She firmly believes in the potential of every learner—reminding them that they are, in their own right, stars.

Althea Nicole Ponteras Oguilla is a committed educator with a Bachelor of Elementary Education from the University of Saint La Salle – Bacolod (2018–2022). She is a Licensed Professional Teacher (2022) with specialized experience in both classroom instruction and English as a Second Language (ESL) education. Nicole has accumulated substantial teaching experience across different learning environments.

She has served as a classroom teacher for Grades 5 and 6, teaching general subjects and speech classes that enhance English language and communication skills. In addition, she has worked as an ESL teacher for young learners, delivering interactive, level-appropriate lessons that build proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. She also held the role of Pre-elementary and Elementary Supervisor Teacher at Bestone ESL Company.

Her professional development includes completing a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification (2021) and participating as an exchange student at Seogijapranata Catholic University in Indonesia, an experience that expanded her understanding of international education and cultural perspectives. Beyond her teaching roles, Nicole has also served as a church secretary for five years in a non-profit institution, gaining valuable experience in administration, organization, and communication.

Nicole remains dedicated to fostering academic growth, critical thinking, and lifelong learning among her students. She believes in creating meaningful educational experiences that not only develop academic proficiency but also inspire confidence and personal growth.

Hello! I am very excited to be able to be teaching at Tucson International Academy! I absolutely love what I do and enjoy seeing my students grow. I grew up in Oahu, Hawaii and moved to Tucson because I got a scholarship to attend the University of Arizona. There, I studied elementary education and minored in psychology and bilingual education.

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I come from a family of teachers and would often help out in the classroom from a young age. Teaching is my passion and I always look forward to learning about my students each year! Growing up in Hawaii I was always surrounded by a lot of cultural diversity and that is what drew me to Tucson International Academy. Their staff and student body is very diverse as well as the cultural language programs they offer.

I have been to 7 different countries and have taught English abroad in Hoi An, Vietnam. I think it is important that students take pride in who they are and where they come from as well as learn about other cultures to gain a better global perspective.

My name is Glori May Deliarte, but everyone calls me "Ms. May." I work at Tucson International Academy's West Campus as a Kindergarten–First grade teacher. I am a licensed professional elementary teacher. I earned a Latin distinction for completing my bachelor's degree at the University of Saint La Salle-Bacolod in the Philippines. Currently, I am pursuing a master's degree in general science.

My mother, who was once a teacher, inspired me to become a teacher. Since then, I've decided that I'll one day become a teacher, and I'm currently living my passion for teaching young children. I've been working in this industry for more than seven years. I worked for three years in my home country, Philippines and four years in Bangkok, Thailand. During those years, I gained the knowledge and expertise required to excel as a teacher.

Over the last few years, I've had the opportunity to teach in a number of grade levels and disciplines. I've also coached interschool academic competitions and facilitated club events. As a result, it shaped me into the type of teacher I am today, not only to teach their young minds but also to touch their hearts to inspire them to be better versions of themselves.

I am in my fifth school year with TIA Special Education. I work at both the Midvale campus and the West Campus. While I see students, I also coordinate all of the meetings for students in the district. I am also the parent contact for the meetings and the person that gathers all data so that the meetings with parents can be completed successfully.

My "sidekick" is Rocky. Rocky is my Labradoodle service dog. He comes with me to both schools. Rocky has grown up coming to TIA, and loves to spend time with the students. He has been coming to the school since he was three months old, so the students have had the opportunity to watch him grow up and learn his skills.

In my spare time, I coach youth bowling and am invested in my crafts. I have a 16-year-old at home, and two other pups (Buddy and Stella). I look forward to the school year and feel that we at TIA are the best place that students can find in any school system.

If I were to be asked what was it that inspired me to become a teacher, I would firmly answer it was my teachers I had during my young years of school. I attended school in Mexico where at that time, teachers didn't have all the tools to facilitate lessons as we now enjoy to help us carry on our duties as educators; yet they knew how to reach students and expand their horizons. More than one teacher became my hero.

My journey as an educator began in Mexico. I completed my studies in Torreon, Coahuila Mexico, and obtained a job as a teacher in Cananea, Sonora Mexico, teaching in an international academy for some years. After that, I moved to Hermosillo, Sonora Mexico where I had the opportunity to teach in a Federal Secondary School for 7 years.

Later, I immigrated to the United States and continued my dream as a teacher and extended my profession to a new language. I got accepted to NAU where I received my undergraduate degree in Education and continued my studies until I graduated with a Master's degree. It was also at NAU that I completed most of my classes for my doctorate degree.

I can truly say that teaching is not only my profession, but it is also my passion. The type of passion that gives one the heartfelt joy when seeing students reach their potential. That satisfaction that comes from witnessing children light up when they respond to challenging questions involved in true learning. I love touching the future and changing young lives through teaching.

As a music specialist, I am honored to provide children at Tucson International Academy the opportunity to experience all of the benefits music education offers. I received my BA from the University of Montana in Music Education and MA in Music Education from the University of Washington. I hold a certification as a k-12 certified music educator.

The unique piece about teaching music at TIA is that the classes are virtual and I am teaching from my office in Seattle, Washington! In our weekly musical classes we play instruments, sing, dance and most of all have fun learning through music. I feel so lucky to be a part of this amazing community of learners.

"One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way." -Frank Smith

I whole heartily believe that learning a second language opens doors to a whole new world. A new world of friendships, travel, traditions, cultures, foods, colors, and so much more. That is why I am a proud Spanish teacher. My name is Denisse Leyva, and I was born in Sonora, Mexico. I came to live in the United States at the age of four.

Spanish was my first language, but it could have been easily forgotten if it was not for my mother's insistence. She taught my sister and I the importance of never forgetting our native language. She taught us that our native language strengthens our ties with our culture and family, which I am very proud of. My biggest passions are teaching the Spanish language through music, dance, art, and food.

When I am not in the classroom, I am with my family. I love long walks in the afternoon with my husband, three boys, and our dog. I am excited to continue with our adventures in the classroom.

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.

To Teach Minds, Touch Hearts, and Transform Lives is what my mission is all about. Most of my students call me Teacher Lloyd. I am a science teacher who was born and raised in an archipelago of 7083 islands in the Pacific, the Philippines. I grew up in a very large and financially challenged family with five brothers and two sisters.

At the age of 20, I already started teaching Science and Mathematics to Junior High School students in one of the private schools in the Philippines. After serving my country for two years, I decided to explore and teach in Thailand in 2018. I taught senior high school students in government schools in Thailand, worked with different nationalities, taught different subjects, and contributed to my schools by coaching and winning various competitions, which left an important legacy to my students.

This year, I decided to explore another opportunity at TIA to enhance my teaching career's growth and pursue my mission. With these experiences, I can say that I am exceptionally equipped with relevant knowledge and skills that a 21st-century teacher must possess who is ready to share this expertise with my future students.

As an advocate of student development and capability enhancement, thinking critically, communicating effectively, and becoming a responsible global citizen, I can ensure my students' future is one step closer to success.

I am originally from Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. I attended and graduated from Tucson High Magnet School, where I was part of the varsity soccer team and the performing Folklorico dance group "Los Tucsonenses." My favorite subjects are math and Spanish. After high school, I attended Pima Community College and the University of Phoenix where I received my drafting degree.

I have volunteered as a coach for soccer leagues and currently coaching high school soccer here in Tucson. I am still involved with Folklorico dancing and playing soccer. I spend my free time with my wife and three kids. We love to go hiking, attend UofA football games, and go camping as a family.

My favorite quote is "Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world." – Nelson Mandela