Heritage University launches innovative online Master’s in English

Heritage University unveils completed STEM learning center in Ross Center remodel

Heritage University has completed a major renovation of the Kathleen Ross, SNJM Center, transforming it into a cutting-edge learning space anchored by the new Adelante STEM Center. The $2.5 million project, which broke ground in December 2024, was made possible through a $1.5 million Adelante STEM grant from the U.S. Department of Education and a generous $1 million private donation.

The remodel brings a host of upgrades to the university’s academic environment, particularly in STEM education. The new Adelante STEM Center features state-of-the-art math and computer science classrooms, a maker space for hands-on learning and innovation, and new study rooms with modern, student-friendly furniture. These spaces are equipped with advanced teaching technology to prepare students for careers in high-demand, tech-driven industries.

One of the most impactful features of the remodel is the proximity of the STEM Learning Center to the Academic Skills Center (ASC). Students now benefit from convenient access to tutoring, collaborative workspaces, and academic technology—all just steps away.

The renovation also included significant updates to the Donald North Library, located within the Ross Center. While construction caused a temporary disruption, the final result is a more modern, functional, and welcoming environment for research, study, and community engagement.

 

Faculty share insights on Latina first-gen Ph.D. journey at AERA

Dr. Laura Zamudio-Orozco and Dr. Amy Nuñez presented at the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting in Denver, CO. Their session, titled “Reflections from McNair Scholars: Latinas Navigating the Ph.D. Pathway as First- Generation College Students,” highlighted the experiences of Latina scholars pursuing doctoral degrees.

The 2025 AERA meeting, the world’s largest education research conference, featured over 2,500 sessions showcasing cutting-edge research, renowned experts, and numerous opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration.

 

“When you have an education, you can do anything you dream of doing,” Maria Batarao’s parents told her and her brothers.

It’s been the through-line in Batarao’s life, from her years as a classroom teacher, to two positions as school principal, to her role since 2022 as executive director of instructional technology and assessment in the Wapato School District.

And it doesn’t end with her Yakima Valley community: Beyond her “day job,” Batarao supports a school for 25 children in the central Philippines.

Batarao grew up in Solano Nueva Vizcaya, a small town in north central Philippines, with her mom, dad, and four brothers.

The family came to the United States in 1999 when Batarao was 20 years old.

Her parents worked in education their whole lives — her dad was an engineer and university professor, and her mother was an executive assistant to a university president. They went to work as AmeriCorps volunteers as soon as they arrived in the Yakima Valley, believing it would be a good entry into the area workforce.

“Teaching in AmeriCorps was a bridge in a new country,” Batarao said. “They pushed themselves — and they pushed us children as well.

“Our parents always said we had just a few choices for what to do,” Batarao said. “‘You work on a farm, you work in a grocery store, or you go back to school.’

“They always said, ‘If you have your diploma, wherever you go, that can never be taken away. There is always a career waiting for you. The more education the better.”

At age 20, just before the family came to live in the United States, Batarao graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Manila’s Far Eastern University. Once in the U.S., following in her parents’ footsteps, she went to work as an AmeriCorps volunteer working with second, third, and fourth-grade students in need of reading intervention at Whitney Elementary School in Yakima. Two of her brothers enrolled at Heritage University.

Batarao’s first experience working with young children established her career trajectory.

“I vividly remember the first day I met my third graders — I was so excited, and they welcomed me with great warmth and enthusiasm,” Batarao said. “I went home that day and told my family, ‘I already love this!’

“It was incredibly fulfilling as time went on to witness their confidence grow alongside their reading skills.

“I knew I wanted to be in the classroom full-time.”

Just as her students inspired her, Batarao also found herself inspired by the education leaders she saw around her at Whitney.

HERITAGE PROVIDED NEEDED MEANINGFUL SUPPORT

Batarao knew that pursuing an advanced degree would be an important next step in her work in education. Having first seen the Heritage University experience through her brothers’ time there, Batarao also chose to study at Heritage, pursuing a master’s in education in professional development.

“My brothers’ professors at Heritage really supported them and provided meaningful opportunities to grow within the classroom and beyond,” Batarao said. “That was especially important for us with the language and cultural challenges we had early in our time in the U.S.”

Batarao found similarly positive experiences at Heritage with three education department advisors, citing three mentors in particular: Pam Ruth, Caroline Mason, and Jack McPherson.

“I was getting my teacher certification credits, I was a full-time student in the master’s program, and I was doing my research work, and there was so much of the educational jargon, budget discussions, and law issues that I was completely unfamiliar with,” Batarao said. “But when I would say it was too hard, each of them would tell me, ‘You can do this, Maria.’ They were very hands- on and provided connections to many resources, which was what I needed.

“Those Heritage role models were kind and patient, and they would always tell me I had the potential to be a leader. For that, I am forever grateful.”

Batarao wanted to inspire students the way her mentors inspired her.

“Because of them and others who’ve inspired me, I am passionate about making sure students know they, too, are capable, they are supported, they can absolutely achieve their goals — sometimes even more than they imagine.”

A PASSION FOR WORKING WITH CHILDREN

By 2001, Batarao had her master’s. She taught for seven years, then spent two years as an instructional coach. In 2013, she became principal at Camas Elementary, and in 2018 became principal at Simcoe Elementary.

She began her current role as Executive Director of Instructional Technology and Assessment for the Wapato School District in 2022. In that role, Batarao oversees technology, assessment, the Highly Capable program for high achieving- potential students, the High School and Beyond Plan that helps students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and other areas.

“In my current role, I help create a positive school culture, I support teachers in doing their best work, and I can help make sure every student feels seen, supported, and set up for success,” Batarao said.

“I’ve seen how leadership decisions can make a difference, and impact an entire school community. It’s all about making school a place where both kids and staff can thrive.”

Across every role, what she’s loved most is interacting with her students. “I love getting to know each child, understanding them and where they come from, and creating important connections,” Batarao said.

“That’s always been at the heart of my work, no matter what position I’m in.”

Batarao feels her work impacts the entire Wapato School District and the larger community.

“When we build strong, consistent systems that make life easier for everyone — staff, students, and families — in the process and in the end, we are building a better, stronger Wapato community.”

CONNECTING THROUGH COMMUNITY

Batarao has always sought to build connections and support for children who need it.

When she arrived in the Yakima Valley at age 20, Batarao found community in Yakima’s Wapato Filipino American Youth Group, which like a home away from home.

A year later, she and her brother Rogelio established a group for young people known as the Batang Wapato Group. Through the group, Filipino-American youth connect with their roots through traditional and folk dance.

“It started as a dance group,” Batarao said. “But it was and is so much more than that. It’s a living classroom of culture, community, character — and connection.”

In 2015, Batarao launched a small scholarship initiative at a rural school in the Philippines. It began with a simple goal of supporting young students by covering essentials like tuition, uniforms, shoes, and school supplies.

Over time, that small effort has grown— expanding to a neighboring town, touching even more young lives.

Each month, Batarao sets money aside from her earnings; each year, she provides 25 children with full scholarships to the school she established. Every spring, her mother goes to the Philippines to meet with the teachers and students, learn how they’re doing, and find out what they need. She orders uniforms, shoes, school supplies, and backpacks for the coming school year.

Batarao hopes to be able to visit the children and their teachers in the Philippines next year. In the meantime, “her kids” send her photos on Facebook Messenger and let her know when they’re on the honor roll and what they’re doing in sports.

“There are a lot of poor children in the Philippines, especially in the rural areas where the government sometimes cannot reach them,” Batarao said. “They’re smart kids who just need some help. I help them however I can.

“I love kids. They are the hope for our future, and that’s why I do everything I do. I just want to make a difference in these young lives however I can. “They’re able to thrive, and that’s what matters.”