Anchorage Teacher Inspires Students, Families, and Earns Nomination for Alaska Teacher of the Year

New York  – For Benedict F. Cabasal, teaching has never been just a job. It is a calling shaped by sacrifice, resilience, and a belief in the transformative power of education. Today, that calling has been recognized as the A.J. Dimond High School educator was nominated for the 2025 Alaska Teacher of the Year award.

Cabasal’s journey began far from Anchorage, in the Philippines, where he grew up in a family that struggled with poverty. Despite financial hardships, his parents instilled in him the value of education as the greatest legacy they could leave behind. “My parents often reminded us that they had no wealth to bequeath us, but they could give us the gift of education,” Cabasal recalls.

Determined to pursue higher learning without further burdening his family, he worked multiple jobs while studying on scholarships. Those long days as a working student forged his perseverance and deepened his belief that education is more than a path to a career—it is a lifeline.

Now, with more than 20 years of experience as a math and special education teacher, Cabasal has touched countless lives in Anchorage. His impact, however, is most powerfully felt in the students who face the steepest challenges.

One Anchorage family, the Ireyses, calls him a life-changer. Their son, Casey, lives with autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. When Casey entered Dimond High School as a life skills student, Cabasal saw more than limitations—he saw potential. He encouraged the family to consider a diploma track, believing Casey was capable of earning one.

“In four years, Mr. Cabasal transformed Casey as a student and as a young man,” said parents Chale and Justin Ireys. “He brings out the best in his students, instilling confidence and belief in themselves that they may not have otherwise had. He also made us feel like true partners in our son’s education, comforting us during difficult times and opening doors for opportunities we never thought possible. Simply said, he is the most outstanding educator our family has ever worked with.”

Casey is now on track to graduate this spring, a milestone his parents credit to Cabasal’s commitment and advocacy.

Beyond individual success stories, Cabasal is known for championing inclusion and equity across the Anchorage School District. He strives to break down barriers for students with disabilities, ensuring they not only succeed academically but also feel a sense of belonging in the wider school community.

“Every student, regardless of their background or ability, deserves to feel valued, supported, and empowered,” Cabasal said. “Education gave me hope and opportunity, and I want to pass that same gift on to my students.”

As a nominee for Alaska Teacher of the Year, Cabasal’s story stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, the value of inclusive education, and the profound difference one teacher can make. For the families whose children he has guided, the recognition feels overdue.

“The Anchorage School District, Dimond High School, his students, and their parents are beyond lucky to have him,” the Ireys family said. “He deserves this award this year and every year.”