Imagine walking into a classroom not just with textbook knowledge, but with the wisdom and inspiration of seasoned educators by your side. At the School of Education, that's the reality.
Our faculty and staff are more than just colleagues – they are mentors, advisors, and passionate advocates for your success.
Meet our distinguished professors, each boasting extensive expertise in diverse areas of education. From innovative teaching methods and culturally responsive pedagogy to special needs education and the dynamic world of educational technology, our faculty brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom. They challenge you to think critically, ignite your curiosity, and nurture your passion for making a difference.
emanla@xu.edu.ph
She is currently the Dean of the School of Education, the Center of Excellence in Teacher Education in Region X. Prior to her deanship she was the Assistant Chairperson at the Department of English Language and Literature, BSED Coordinator and Director of the Institute for the Development of Educational Administrator (IDEA) Program and Graduate Studies. She is a member of the Local School Board (LSB) representing the academe in the Local Government Unit of Cagayan de Oro City
In the area of research, Ms Beng, as she is fondly called, has published articles in a number of journals on topics such as the aptitude test and critical thinking, research knowledge and interest, teachers’ professional well-being, Service Learning Program to name a few.
She was awarded by the US Department State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs an International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) in US last 2016.
Dr Manla has a number of social engagements in the Jesuit Mission Schools and in US Embassy Manila projects. She has served as consultant and lead trainers to Madrasah teachers and facilitated projects on the Development of Peace Education in MSU System and Peace Education for Mindanao.
mapao@xu.edu.ph
Maria Maricar Apao is an Admin Assistant and a College Evaluator at the School of Education. She is responsible for maintaining and updating the academic records of students and faculty members. She has a keen eye for detail and a passion for ensuring quality and accuracy in record-keeping. She is always ready to assist anyone who needs help or information regarding SOE student academic records. You can contact her at the School of Education Admin Office or call (088)851-9800 loc 9515.
jbathan@xu.edu.ph
Judith Bathan serves as the Administrative Assistant in the School of Education’s Graduate Studies Program. She oversees student services, from academic records and class schedules to admissions and inquiries, enhancing efficiency and support. Judith is committed to nurturing a positive, inclusive environment for students and faculty.
cpagara@xu.edu.ph
Charity Rose Pagara, PhD is the current Director of SOE Graduate Studies and Institute for the Development of Educational Administrators (IDEA) Program of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan. She graduated as Cum Laude in Bachelor of Science in Biology and took Professional Course Units afterwards. She also finished her Master of Arts in Educational Management in2008 and Doctor of Philosophy in Education in 2011.
She was a K-12 trainer in science who advocates effective Science Education. She was awarded the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in 2017, a Mindanao Peacebuilding Institute Alumni – United Board Scholar in 2019 and has facilitated Peace projects and activities in Northern Mindanao. Her teaching & research Interest includes Peace Education, Science, Art and Music Education, Assessment and Evaluation, Research Methods, and Statistical Methods.
She is one of the associate Research ethics reviewers of Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) and Xavier University. She currently explores learning Data Analytics, Data management, Data Science and Machine Learning.
majo@xu.edu.ph
Mia Phoebe B. Ajo, Ph.D. is a dedicated professional with a wealth of experience in education and research. She completed her academic requirements for a doctorate in Business Administration and Ph.D. in Education from Xavier University Ateneo de Cagayan, demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence.
With a Master of Arts in Teaching - Special Education, she has honed her expertise in special education. Additionally, her master’s in business administration from Xavier University showcases her strong foundation in business management.
As an Assistant Professor at the School of Education, she excelled in mentoring students and lecturing on undergraduate research and special education courses.
kmorales@xu.edu.ph
Dr. Kahleen M. Morales is a distinguished faculty member at the School of Education, Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan, where she is recognized as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Her commitment to educational excellence is evident in her dedication to forming leaders of character and addressing the educational needs of Mindanao, the Philippines, and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Dr. Morales’s academic journey and professional dedication reflect the core values of Xavier University, a Filipino, Catholic, and Jesuit institution committed to the authentic search for truth through teaching, formation, research, and social outreach.
As an educator, Dr. Morales plays a crucial role in fostering an interdisciplinary and integrated encounter between faith, reason, and the sciences, contributing significantly to the university’s goal of training future educators who are competent, conscientious, and committed to service. Her expertise and influence extend beyond the classroom through active participation in scholarly discourse and development programs aimed at the sustainable growth of the educational sector, underscoring her passion for nurturing an inclusive, innovative, and inspiring learning environment.
jmacagba@xu.edu.ph
Dr. Junefel Colonia-Macagba is a dedicated educator with 19 years of experience teaching from infants to adults. She currently serves as a full-time faculty member at Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan School of Education, specializing in both early childhood education and science and health.
Dr. Colonia-Macagba holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Education and two master's degrees, one in international business and another in school management. She has a strong commitment to ethical research practices, having served on the Xavier Ateneo Research Ethics Board since 2019. Her research interests include early childhood education, business research, and classroom management. In addition to her academic work, Dr. Colonia-Macagba currently serves as the Assistant to the Vice President for Mission and Ministry.
rquileste@xu.edu.ph
Dr. Quileste is a faculty member at Xavier University's Ateneo de Cagayan School of Education. He has a distinguished academic background, having graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, a Master's in School Management, and a Doctorate in Education, all from the same university. He is also a licensed professional teacher with experience in both grade school and higher education at Xavier University.
Dr. Quileste is a passionate researcher and educator. His research focuses on Early Childhood Education and Assessment of Learning. He has presented at local, national, and international conferences and published his work in international journals. He actively supports upcoming researchers by serving various roles in research for undergraduate and master's students and reviewing submitted studies for international publications. Currently, Dr. Quileste is sharing his knowledge by teaching courses in Preschool Education, Assessment, Curriculum Development, and Educational Technology. He is also involved in reviewing research ethics and training local daycare workers.
pmendoza@xu.edu.ph
Ms. Nads is a faculty member and secondary programs coordinator at Xavier University’s School of Education. An alumna with a BEEd in early development and a Master’s in Childhood Education, she is currently pursuing her doctorate. She instructs in Early Childhood and Professional Education, and contributes as a mentor, BLEPT reviewer, trainer, and researcher, shaping future educators.
isalarda@xu.edu.ph
Mr. Salarda, a dedicated faculty member at Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan’s School of Education, serves as the Director of the Arrupe Educational Center. In this role, he oversees social development engagements involving students and faculty across various university units.
His commitment extends to mentoring Action Research groups for undergraduates and graduate thesis students. With expertise in module writing, materials development, and research related to formation and social engagement, Mr. Salarda has made significant contributions to the university over the past eleven years. He also presented his MA Thesis paper at the 2nd Teacher Education Research Conference and played a key role in the early implementation of the K to 12 Curriculum at Xavier Ateneo.
atabamo@xu.edu.ph
Mr. Albin Jay C. Tabamo, an Assistant Professor and Research Coordinator at the Xavier-Ateneo School of Education, has a distinguished academic background. He graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education in Biological Sciences from Surigao del Norte State University. His Master’s degree in Science Education, majoring in Biological Sciences, was earned at Caraga State University, where he achieved a GWA equivalent to Summa Cum Laude.
His research on “A Structural Model of Science Teacher Education Student’s Conception and Content Engagement in a Flexible Learning Environment” received recognition as the Best Paper at the International Virtual Conference in Development Education 2022. Mr. Tabamo has also contributed to peer-reviewed journals such as the International Journal of Biological and Medical Research, International Journal of Biological, Physical, and Chemical Sciences, and International Journal of Research Publications and Reviews.
He actively participates as a Technical Panel and Research Ethics Board Member at Xavier University, engaging in both quantitative and qualitative studies in Science Education, Mathematics Education, and Educational Management. Currently, he is pursuing his PhD in Biology Education at the College of Education, University of the Philippines - Diliman.
cluna@xu.edu.ph
Carly Faye Luna is a dedicated educator with a strong background in special education. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education majoring in Special Education from Xavier University. She furthered her studies at the University of the Visayas, where she earned a Master’s degree in Education majoring in Communication Disorder.
With a passion for inclusive education, Carly has extensive experience teaching students with special needs in both private and public special education institutions. Her commitment to excellence in education led her to transition to teaching in higher education.
Currently, she holds key roles as the Sped Society Moderator, Alumni Coordinator (SOE Sector), and Mentoring Program Coordinator, where she continues to make a significant impact on the education sector.
mestacio@xu.edu.ph
Engr. Maria Leah Paola M. Estacio is a versatile professional with expertise in academia, education administration, and entrepreneurship. A Chemical Engineering graduate from the University of the Philippines at Los Baños, she is both a licensed teacher and engineer. With over 15 years in educational administration, she has extensive experience teaching subjects like Physics, Algebra, Calculus, and Chemistry, and currently teaches courses aimed at pre-service teachers.
Paola is also advancing her education, working on a PhD dissertation after completing a Master’s in School Management. Her research focuses on improving science and mathematics education. Beyond academia, she is a mother of four, runs a business in food processing, and is actively involved in community development, with a focus on youth empowerment. Her life reflects a commitment to educational excellence, entrepreneurial success, and community service.
Charity Rose Pagara, PhD is the current Director of SOE Graduate Studies and Institute for the Development of Educational Administrators (IDEA) Program of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan. She graduated as Cum Laude in Bachelor of Science in Biology and took Professional Course Units afterwards. She also finished her Master of Arts in Educational Management in2008 and Doctor of Philosophy in Education in 2011.
She was a K-12 trainer in science who advocates effective Science Education. She was awarded the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in 2017, a Mindanao Peacebuilding Institute Alumni – United Board Scholar in 2019 and has facilitated Peace projects and activities in Northern Mindanao. Her teaching & research Interest includes Peace Education, Science, Art and Music Education, Assessment and Evaluation, Research Methods, and Statistical Methods.
She is one of the associate Research ethics reviewers of Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) and Xavier University. She currently explores learning Data Analytics, Data management, Data Science and Machine Learning.
jhalibas@xu.edu.ph
Jayla serves as the secretary of SOE and an administrative staff for the Institute of Development for Educational Administrators (IDEA) Graduate program. She handles clerical operations and assists the SOE admin, faculty, and students.
She is also a licensed professional teacher with experience as an XU-NSTP formator. She graduated as Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education, specializing in English at Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan. She actively seeks opportunities to expand her skills and knowledge to better serve the educational community.
He is a dedicated full-time faculty member at Xavier-Ateneo School of Education, where he holds the esteemed position of Director of the Arrupe Educational Center, the institution's social development office. Additionally, he serves as the Service Learning Coordinator within the School of Education.
With a Master of Arts in Education specializing in school management, Ismael is deeply committed to representing Xavier-Ateneo School of Education in external engagements. He actively establishes partnerships and linkages for societal engagements, playing a pivotal role in creating and managing programs, projects, and interventions that are aligned with the mandate of SOE and the university's identity.
His unwavering dedication is focused on providing abundant opportunities for the development of 'teacher leaders' among SOE students and faculty. His efforts ensure a vibrant and impactful educational environment, reflecting the core values of Xavier-Ateneo School of Education.
nstaelena@xu.edu.ph
Nathalie is a dedicated professional with a passion for education, particularly for out-of-school youth and adults. She currently serves as Project Staff for the Xavier-Ateneo Night School Program, a program designed to empower these marginalized groups.
Nathalie holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, giving her a strong understanding of human behavior and development. She furthered her expertise by acquiring professional teaching qualifications and honed her skills through experience as a learning facilitator. Driven by compassion and a belief in education's transformative power, Nathalie strives to create a supportive and inclusive environment for her students, empowering them to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
Dr. Quileste is a faculty member at Xavier University's Ateneo de Cagayan School of Education. He has a distinguished academic background, having graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, a Master's in School Management, and a Doctorate in Education, all from the same university. He is also a licensed professional teacher with experience in both grade school and higher education at Xavier University.
Dr. Quileste is a passionate researcher and educator. His research focuses on Early Childhood Education and Assessment of Learning. He has presented at local, national, and international conferences and published his work in international journals. He actively supports upcoming researchers by serving various roles in research for undergraduate and master's students and reviewing submitted studies for international publications. Currently, Dr. Quileste is sharing his knowledge by teaching courses in Preschool Education, Assessment, Curriculum Development, and Educational Technology. He is also involved in reviewing research ethics and training local daycare workers.
Many of our faculty members have extensive experience in diverse educational settings, bringing practical insights to the classroom.
We believe in continuous learning, and our faculty actively engage in research, conferences, and workshops to stay at the forefront of education.
Whether you need academic guidance, emotional support, or career advice, our faculty and staff are always available to lend a helping hand.
We foster a strong sense of community within our team, ensuring you receive well-rounded support and diverse perspectives.
But our journey doesn't end there. Our dedicated staff members ensure your experience is seamless and enriching. From our academic advisors who guide your academic path to our administrative personnel who provide logistical support, every member of our team is committed to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment.