For 20 years, teacher Dorotea Godinez “Ms. G” has brought science, cultural understanding, and life lessons into her classroom at City Schools. Originally from the Philippines, she says her journey into education was unexpected, but it became a calling shaped by resilience, adaptability, and a belief that students learn best when teachers and students learn from one another.
During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Ms. G reflected on her experiences adjusting to life and teaching in Baltimore, the values she hopes to instill in students, and the importance of community at Patterson High School (Patterson).
Before becoming a teacher, Ms. Godinez studied agriculture and science in college. She later became a college instructor and eventually transitioned into secondary education after earning additional credentials in science teaching. She also received a master’s degree in chemistry.
She credits several of her own high school teachers for inspiring her interest in science, especially her chemistry and biology teachers. “I wanted to be like them.”
“I never thought I would become a teacher,” she said. “It just came from the opportunities I received.”
In the early 2000’s, City Schools made an effort to recruit qualified teachers internationally. Representatives from City Schools traveled to the Philippines to conduct multiple rounds of interviews before candidates were selected and began the visa and credentialing process. After two sets of extensive interviews, she was hired by City Schools and began teaching at Renaissance Academy before later joining Patterson High School.
Adjusting to teaching and living in a new country was not always easy, especially in the first three years. She described how her success was grounded in not expecting students to adapt to her - she focused on finding balance and learning from students while also sharing parts of her Filipino culture.
One of the questions students often ask is what school was like in the Philippines. Ms. Gutinez tells them about classrooms with 50 to 60 students and a strong emphasis on respect for teachers. She also shares that students did not have the same level of access to technology that many students have today.
Ms. G also speaks openly with students about her accent and encourages them to respectfully help her when she mispronounces a word. She believes that the most important lessons she can impart aren’t always the curriculum, but the values and habits that will help them after they graduate.
She emphasizes punctuality, honesty, responsibility, and respect in her classroom, reminding students that school is preparation for future careers and life experiences.
“Your moral character plays a very vital role,” she said.
As a Filipino educator, Ms. G says resilience is one of the most important parts of her culture.
“We are people who can adjust, and we are very resilient,” she said. “Whatever it is that we undergo, we have the courage to overcome.” She also noted that the Philippines is made up of 7,641 islands, with different cultures and languages, reflecting the country’s rich diversity.
At Patterson High School, she sees those same strengths reflected in the school community. With students representing many countries, languages, and backgrounds, she says the school’s diversity creates a strong sense of belonging.
“This diversified community is acting like a family,” she said. “We are family here no matter what our heritage is.”
As City Schools celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, stories like Ms. Godinez’highlight the experiences, perspectives, and dedication that educators from many backgrounds bring to students every day. Through science lessons, cultural exchange, and an emphasis on character, she continues to help students grow both inside and outside the classroom.