A Filipino teacher based in Washington, DC has been recognized for his excellence in teaching when he was given the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) together with three more public teachers in Hawaii.
Established by Congress in 1983, the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through grade 12 mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States.
Filipino Public Teacher in Washington Recognized for Excellence in Teaching
The distinguished educator, Dr. Nel Venzon, an AP (Advanced Placement) and Biology teacher at the Mililani High School, has had over a decade of experience as a math and science teacher, training his students to conduct extensive scientific research in the community, as shared in a report by ABS-CBN News.
Dr. Venzon shared that he got into teaching because he has always been a curious person especially about science, and teaching is a profession that enabled him to explore that curiosity in him which makes him want to find out about what happens in the world. Through teaching, Dr. Venzon explained that he can also make a difference in other people’s lives.
Apart from the award that he received, Dr. Venzon’s students have also done and presented their research to the district, state, regional, national and international levels.
One of his students, Joshua Pablo said: “With this class, you get to learn a lot. Like, a lot in AP biology because there’s so much information you need to know. But Dr. Venzon, he makes it simple. He makes it fun to understand. It’s more hands-on, it’s more about communication, rather than just book learning.”
Another student, Channing Chrisco, described Venzon as the most prepared teacher he has ever had.
“He’s just a really effective teacher and I learn the most from his class,” Chrisco shared.
Getting the award, according to Venzon, means so much more than his work inside the classroom.
The proud Filipino educator explained, “It’s a symbolism for things such as empowering the youth. That, if a Filipino immigrant has achieved that award or has earned that award, I think we can also make it possible for the Filipino youth to think, ‘it doesn’t matter whether I’m a Filipino immigrant or not, anything’s possible if you put your mind and hard work to it.’”
Here’s a video feature shared by Balitang America/YouTube:
Congratulations, Dr. Nel Venzon! Your hard work and dedication to excellence and passion for learning are worth emulating. You are such a big inspiration to the Filipino youth and all Filipinos overseas who are doing their best to make a difference not only for their families, communities but also to the rest of the world!
ALSO READ: 200 Filipino Teachers Needed to Teach English in Spain Every Year