Glenda Abalde Hines, Ed.D., a Filipina educator, has recently graduated with a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Liberty University in USA. Her journey to academic excellence and professional success is both inspiring and remarkable. At 47, Dr. Hines boasts a perfect GPA and has graduated with high distinction, not just in her doctoral program but also in her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the same university.
Dr. Hines, who has been in the United States for eight years, currently works as the District Science Resource for Curriculum and Instruction at the School District of Osceola County, Florida. She moved to the U.S. as a J1 teacher in 2016, and her dedication and hard work have paved the way for her to become a naturalized citizen and achieve significant professional milestones.
“My journey from the Philippines to the United States has been a remarkable and transformative experience,” Dr. Hines shared with The Global Filipino Magazine.
“After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Biology from MSU-IIT in Iligan City, I began my career as a public-school elementary science teacher. I was employed by the Department of Education in Iligan City for 11 years, teaching at South 1-A Central School and later at Tambo Central School.”
In July 2016, Dr. Hines embarked on a new chapter by joining the J1 teacher exchange program. She moved to Lawrenceville, Virginia, where she taught Biology, Algebra 1, and Environmental Science at Brunswick High School until November 2018. Her expertise and commitment led her to become a district resource speaker for new teacher orientations at Brunswick County Public Schools.
A significant personal milestone came in September 2018 when she married retired U.S. Marine and Army veteran, Staff Sgt. Anthony John Hines, Jr. This union allowed her to secure a green card in February 2020, and in April 2023, she became a naturalized U.S. citizen. Dr. Hines now resides in Kissimmee, Florida, with her husband and elder son, Ralph Dominic Canonero. Her younger son, Reiman Lorenzo Canonero, remains in the Philippines.
Dr. Hines’ pursuit of educational leadership was fueled by her desire to improve achievement outcomes across all grade levels and to mentor and lead teachers. “My inspiration to pursue a career in Educational Leadership stemmed from a deep desire to improve achievement outcomes across all grade levels and to coach, mentor, and lead teachers in achieving district goals for science,” she explained.
Her academic journey at Liberty University has been nothing short of exceptional. “My experience at Liberty University has been profoundly enriching. The university’s emphasis on developing a biblical worldview in serving others has deeply influenced my approach to educational leadership,” Dr. Hines stated. She completed her master’s degree in Educational Leadership in 2021 and her doctoral degree from January 2022 to April 2024, both with a perfect 4.0 GPA and high distinction.
Balancing her studies and professional responsibilities posed significant challenges, but Dr. Hines managed it with meticulous time management and a strong support system. “Balancing my studies and professional responsibilities posed significant challenges, particularly as I aimed to maintain a work-life balance while fulfilling my roles as a mother, wife, and educator,” she said. By dedicating her weekends to assignments and maintaining consistent communication with professors and mentors, she successfully navigated her rigorous academic journey.
In her current role at the School District of Osceola County, Dr. Hines has implemented several key initiatives to enhance science education. She has developed a comprehensive science curriculum across all grade levels and organized professional development sessions for teachers. Additionally, she has focused on mentoring science instructional coaches and establishing robust assessment and data tracking systems to monitor student outcomes.
Dr. Hines’ background and experiences in the Philippines have significantly influenced her approach to education and leadership in the United States. “Teaching in the public school system in Iligan City for 11 years, I learned to navigate various challenges with resourcefulness and resilience. This experience instilled in me a deep commitment to educational equity and a belief in the potential of every student,” she reflected.
Looking ahead, Dr. Hines remains committed to driving initiatives that enhance science education and supporting teachers in their professional growth. “I aim to give back by mentoring and supporting teachers, helping them to grow professionally and achieve their full potential,” she emphasized. Her dedication to educational excellence is rooted in a desire to make a lasting difference in the lives of both students and teachers, continually striving to elevate the standards of education within her district.
This article has been published in Volume 5, Issue 1 of The Global Filipino Magazine. If you have a unique life story or know someone who does, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at eic@theglobalfilipinomagazine.com. If you’re interested in obtaining a print copy of the magazine, please contact Mr. JP Cosico at +971 54 482 0661.
