Summa graduate, LET topnotcher joins ISUFST faculty

Tedric Dave Espora Senosa grew up as a quiet child fascinated by how numbers moved, behaved, and sometimes misbehaved, long before anyone placed a medal around his neck.

That curiosity led to perfect GPAs, national awards, and a Top 4 finish in the Licensure Examination for Teachers, culminating in his decision to begin teaching next year at the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology.

Tedric believes his purpose unfolds one student at a time, recalling how tutoring classmates in calculus reshaped his understanding of learning.

“Watching fear turn into curiosity made me realize how powerful teaching can be,” he said.

What began as helping a friend understand limits and derivatives developed into a calling rooted in empathy, patience, and a desire to see others succeed.

His early victories—MTAP–MMC titles, research competitions, and interschool awards—taught him that persistence matters more than prestige.

“Behind every medal were trial, error, and persistence,” he said.

Those experiences shaped his view that mistakes are not failures but invitations to grow, a mindset he hopes to bring to ISUFST classrooms.

Tedric’s commitment to evidence-based teaching aligns strongly with ISUFST’s mission as it works toward its 2030 vision of becoming a leading research university in Southeast Asia.

“Quality education must be anchored in empirical evidence,” he said, reflecting the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education.

As a Scopus-indexed researcher, he has examined learning difficulties, quantitative assessment, and technology integration in math instruction, seeing these not as abstract academic concepts but as tools to improve student learning.

He hopes to help strengthen ISUFST’s curriculum by developing diagnostic-based modules, mapping learning progressions, and designing interventions suited to local learning needs.

“Research should guide teaching, not just sit beside it,” he said.

Beyond scholarship, Tedric is committed to supporting students who doubt their academic abilities, believing every ISUFST learner can thrive with structure, encouragement, and a nurturing environment.

“No one should feel out of place in a math classroom,” he said.

His teaching style blends constructivism, mastery learning, and continuous feedback to ensure students understand concepts rather than memorize them.

For licensure preparation, he plans to design test-aligned materials, diagnostics, and coaching methods focused on mastery and emotional resilience.

“Success is discipline and mindset,” he said, recalling his own LET experience.

One memory reminds him why mentorship matters: a struggling student he guided through weeks of quantitative research eventually produced a manuscript good enough for publication.

“Sometimes students just need someone to believe in them before they believe in themselves,” he said.

Tedric’s arrival strengthens a growing group of young, high-performing ISUFST educators, including Dr. Matthew Lasap, Prof. Glysa Marie Regidor, Dr. Jeena Amoto, and recent LET topnotcher Dr. Kim Jay Encio.

Their collective presence reinforces the university’s identity as a research-driven institution grounded in service and aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 8 and 17.

Tedric said he feels humbled to join them under the leadership of ISUFST President Dr. Nordy D. Siason Jr., noting that many of these educators shaped the region’s academic landscape before he entered college.

To join them now as peers feels, in his words, “surreal and inspiring.”

Founded in 1957 as the Philippines’ first and only fisheries university, ISUFST has since grown into a multi-campus institution known for excellence in fisheries, technology, agriculture, and education.

It has received recognition from the Commission on Higher Education for internationalization, Indigenous People’s education, community extension, student affairs and services, peace education, and board performance.

Its debut in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings further affirms its rise as a purpose-driven university.

Tedric hopes to contribute to that momentum by advancing curriculum development, action research, teacher training, and community engagement.

For him, the work is not merely academic but part of building the nation.

He credits his trigonometry teacher, Dr. Michelle Bales, whose clarity and sincerity inspired him to pursue the path of teaching.

“She made math feel alive,” he said.

Tedric said he hopes to be that kind of teacher for ISUFST students—someone who makes learning feel safe and possible.

One area he aims to strengthen is statistical literacy, which he believes is essential in a world increasingly shaped by data.

He plans to lead workshops, mentor research groups, and guide theses addressing regional learning issues.

“Data helps us respond wisely,” he said.

Looking ahead, Tedric envisions ISUFST’s mathematics education program becoming known for excellence, innovation, and research-informed teaching.

He hopes its graduates become not only board passers but reflective practitioners who create classrooms where mathematics feels accessible and transformative.

For Tedric, joining ISUFST is not about prestige but about service, responsibility, and purpose.

“When I step into ISUFST,” he said, “I want to bring my whole heart—my curiosity, my discipline, my joy in learning. Education, done with integrity, can change lives.”

In a time when the country needs empowered and compassionate educators, another summa graduate and topnotcher choosing to serve at home marks a quiet but powerful victory.

A new chapter is beginning at ISUFST, one that counts. (Herman Lagon, PAMMCO)