In recent years, the United States has faced significant teacher shortages, particularly in public schools. To address this, programs were established to recruit educators from abroad, offering attractive benefits.

Filipinos, known for their strong educational background and English proficiency, became a significant part of this workforce, with thousands teaching across the US.

One such program, Teach USA by Global Educational Concepts, facilitated cultural exchange through J1 visas, placing teachers in American schools for up to five years.

Macanana May Surban Macasaet, born in 1996 in Dumaguete City, Philippines, utilized this pathway. A graduate of St. Paul University Dumaguete, she arrived in the US sometime around 2020, ambitious and pursuing her Master’s degree while working.

She was placed at Española Valley High School in New Mexico, a school grappling with high teacher turnover due to low pay and stressful conditions, as a Special Education teacher.

Macasaet presented herself as prepared for the challenges, eager to contribute positively and grow professionally. Photos shared online depicted her adjusting to life in Española, going to the gym, walking her dog, and expressing passion for teaching. However, her American dream would soon unravel into a nightmare.

On June 15, 2022, police arrived at Macasaet’s residence on North McCurdy Road and arrested her. The 26-year-old teacher was taken into custody based on serious allegations involving a student. The school district immediately placed her on administrative leave pending investigation, emphasizing their commitment to student safety and cooperation with law enforcement.

News of the arrest spread, though details remained scarce initially. Local media reported the charges, but the story received limited attention in the Philippines. Macasaet was held at the Rio Arriba County Jail.

On June 22, 2022, she appeared in Santa Fe Magistrate Court, where the extent of the charges became public: multiple counts related to alleged inappropriate relations with a minor student.

The investigation, it turned out, had begun quietly in February 2022. It started when a 16-year-old male student confided in his juvenile probation officer (JPO). The student revealed he was involved in an inappropriate relationship with his teacher, Ms. Macasaet. He disclosed that intimate encounters had occurred multiple times.

The JPO, legally obligated to report such allegations, contacted the police. Investigators interviewed the student, who detailed how the relationship began. He first met Macasaet at a school basketball game.

Due to her petite stature (reportedly 5 feet tall), he initially mistook her for another student. They struck up a conversation that continued after the game, culminating in a kiss before parting ways.

The following day, the student allegedly picked Macasaet up from her home. They went to a fast-food restaurant and then drove to a movie theater parking lot, where further intimate acts allegedly occurred. It was only the next day at school that the student realized Macasaet was actually one of his teachers.

Despite this discovery, the inappropriate interactions allegedly continued within the school itself. The student claimed that when they were alone in the classroom, Macasaet would sometimes lead him into a small supply closet. Inside, she allegedly kissed him, touched him inappropriately, and even performed lap dances while playing music from her phone.

The student also stated he had previously reported the relationship to the Española Valley High School principal. He showed the principal Instagram messages exchanged between him and Macasaet.

However, Macasaet, when confronted by the principal, denied the allegations, claiming her Instagram account had been hacked. Believing her explanation, the principal apparently dropped the matter, dismissing the student’s claims as rumors.

This inaction allowed the inappropriate relationship to continue for several more months until the student disclosed it to his JPO. Under New Mexico law, the age of consent is 17. Therefore, any relations between the 26-year-old teacher and the 16-year-old student constituted a serious felony, regardless of perceived consent from the minor.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for the student’s phone. The text messages and videos found corroborated his account of the inappropriate relationship. Based on this evidence, Macasaet was arrested in June 2022.

The student also mentioned believing he might not be the only student involved with her, though no further charges related to other students were filed.

On March 30, 2023, facing overwhelming evidence, Macanana Macasaet opted for a plea deal rather than face a jury trial. She pleaded “no contest” to the charges. This type of plea means the defendant does not admit guilt but accepts the conviction and punishment.

During the sentencing hearing, details from the police report were presented. Macasaet appeared emotional as the judge handed down the sentence: three years in prison, followed by a period of probation upon release.

Her defense attorney, Dorie Smith, immediately informed the court that Macasaet had no intention of remaining in the United States after serving her time and wished to be deported back to the Philippines as soon as possible.

The attorney requested the court facilitate the release of Macasaet’s passport, which had been confiscated upon her arrest. The judge granted the request and issued a memo permanently barring Macanana Macasaet from teaching in any public school across the United States.

Following the sentencing, Macasaet’s social media accounts were deactivated or made private. Her J1 visa was revoked, and her employment with the school district was officially terminated.

While her exact current location is unconfirmed, it is highly likely she has been deported back to Dumaguete City after serving her sentence.