UNNIFIED Summit Journal 2016

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May 28-29, 2016 Hotel Pennsylvania 401 7th Avenue New York, NY 10001

Congratulations, UNIFFIED on your 3rd Summit!

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

UNITED FEDERATION OF FIL-AM EDUCATORS, INC.

WELCOMES YOU TO ITS third SUMMIT of 2016 Together with SIXTEEN Chapter Members ARIZONA FLORIDA LA-0RANGE COUNTY, CA LOS ANGELES, CA LOUISIANA MARYLAND NEW JERSEY NEW MEXICO NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA NORTH TEXAS SACRAMENTO & VICINITY, CA SOUTH CAROLINA VIRGINIA WASHINGTON, DC UNIFFIED, PHILIPPINES The organization is showing growth and is expanding.

Mabuhay ang UNIFFIED!

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

The History of “UNIFFIED” Sometime in 2011, Lumen Castañeda, had a vision of expanding the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America (AFTA) into a national association. She drafted the vision, mission , objectives and proposed organizational structure of the association. It was presented to the board and was approved with the name NAFTA. Ronie Mataquel, then Executive Vice-President of AFTA approached Lumen and posed the question if she wanted to start forming chapters, to which she said yes. Ronie reached out to his friends in Maryland and Washington, DC and they became the first two chapters under AFTA. Within a span of 2 years, from 2011 to 2012, nine chapters were created; namely, Texas, Los Angeles, Louisiana, Florida, Arizona, North Carolina, and eventually South Carolina, with the help from Ronie Mataquel, Ernie Pamolarco and Rod Lipon . In December of 2012, an election was conducted to have a unified body to oversee all the chapters, each chapter to be represented by an officer. Ronie Mataquel was unanimously elected by the 9 chapter presidents to become its over-all president.

In 2013, the election became an issue, and a special meeting was held on February 17. During the 2hour meeting, things were ironed out with the AFTA senior adviser asking Lumen and Ronie to perform dual roles, with Lumen as president of AFTA and founder of AFTA chapters, while Ronie will be Executive Vice-President and AFTA Chapters’ President. It was agreed that NAFTA is not accepted and will not be enforced. However, it was agreed also that after one year, the position for AFTA President will be open to Chapter Presidents.

However, as months progressed, certain AFTA members and advisers were becoming more vocal against any officer outside of New York becoming the President of the organization. By December of 2013, 3 executive officers of AFTA resigned, namely Bella Estanislao, Celia Morales and Ronie Mataquel, citing his intent only to focus as Chapters’ President. By this time, AFTA, Inc. requested a teleconference with the Chapters and this was made on February 17, 2014. At the end of the session, it clearly manifested that both parties have different views on where and how the Chapters fit into the association.

When it became apparent that AFTA, Inc. was not open to compromise, the chapters agreed to separate, while Ernie Pamolarco acting as mediator of the teleconference, announced his resignation as well.

A few days later, a special meeting was held by AFTA, Inc. forcing the resignation of Lumen Castañeda as president, in an undermine maneuver.

At this time, “The Search for Ulirang Guro” was underway, and upon announcing the winners of the project, AFTA sent an email to Lumen indicating their withdrawal of support for the project. This unforeseen circumstances prompted Lumen Castañeda and Ronie Mataquel to act, and register a new organization , NAFTA, as acronym for National Alliance of Filipino Teacher Associations, to become the platform of the Ulirang Guro project. With the newly registered name, 3 more chapters were formed coming to a total of twelve. Just a couple of weeks before the “Search for Ulirang Guro” awards ceremony, majority of the officers from different chapters agreed that NAFTA sounded too much like the previous organization. It was then decided to totally separate from the shadows of AFTA, and needed a completely different name.

Registered and approved on March 31, 2014, after twelve presidents united to agree on a new name, UNITED FEDERATION OF FIL-AM EDUCATORS, INC., or as will be commonly known, UNIFFIED, is born!

Still young in its formation, but growing stronger and bigger as UNIFFIED expands its Chapters and members.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc. MESSAGE from

AMBASSADOR JOSE L. CUISIA, JR. AMBASSADOR OF THE PHILIPPINES TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

I wish to extend my warmest greetings to the United Federation of Fil-Am Educators (UNIFFIED) on the occasion of your annual summit and awarding ceremony.

I commend UNIFFIED’s commitment to implementing programs that support and respond to the needs of our teachers and contribute to their growth and professional development.

The tools and incentives provided by UNIFFIED to our Filipino-American teachers do not only empower them but also enable them to better serve their communities both in the United States and in the Philippines.

I wish to congratulate all of our teachers, our awardees here tonight, for their hard work and dedication in fulfilling their duties, sharing themselves and responding to the call of giving beyond what is needed. Thank you for choosing a profession that is both important and influential as you impact and shape the minds and lives of the world’s future leaders.

I express the hope that UNIFFIED in all of its 16 chapters will continue to devote time, effort, and resources in helping our teachers to better serve both the US and the Philippines in the years to come.

Maraming salamat at mabuhay!

JOSE L. CUISIA, JR. Ambassador

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc. Consulate General of the Republic of the Philippines NEW YORK

MESSAGE The Philippine Consulate General in New York congratulates the United Federation of Fil-Am Educators (UNIFFIED) as it holds its 3rd Summit and honors Filipino American educators who have “risen to the challenge of education.”

I am happy that UNIFFIED remains committed in holding the Summit for the personal and professional development of its members to enable the latter to showcase their exemplary abilities in their respective schools and community, thereby raising the profile of Filipino teachers in America.

To the awardees of the “Rising to the Challenge of Education,” I salute you all for taking on the most challenging task of shaping the lives of your students and inspiring them to become responsible citizens.

Finally, I thank UNIFFIED Founding Chair Lumen Castañeda for turning the Federation’s vision into reality and helping empower Filipino American teachers in the United States to be equally engaged in community development.

Mabuhay ang UNIFFIED!

MARIO L. DE LEON, JR. Consul General 28 May 2016, New York

556 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036 Tel. No.: (+1) 212 7641330 / Fax: (+1) 212-3821146 email: newyork.pcg@dfa.gov.ph www.newyorkpcg.org

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

TEACHERS’ FAVORITE QUOTATIONS

“Education is the process of facilitating learning. It is the transferring of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs and habits of a Group of Pleople to others” These are the teachers.

“What a teacher writes on the blackboard of life can never be erased”.

“To teach is to touch lives forever.”

“A teacher ‘s influence is eternity, you never know where it ends.”

“A good teacher is like a candle, it consumes itself to light the way for others” “Teachers inspire the smallest heart to grow big , enough to change the world.”

There’s no word in the language that I revere more than “TEACHER” . My heart sings when a kid refers to me as his teacher so I’ve honored myself and the family of man by becoming a teacher” “To all who teach, it is they who create the future of humanity.”

“The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called truth” “Teaching is the highest form of understanding.”

“Teachers are more than any other class, the guardian of civilization.”

Teachers are those who use themselves as bridges, then having facilitated their crossing joyfully collapses, encouraging them to create bridges of their own.”

United Federation of Fil-Am Edu-

MESSSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF UNIFFIED NATIONAL RONIE MATAQUEL

Greetings! Today marks the 3rd annual summit of the United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, UNIFFIED Inc. It is a gathering of Fil-am Educators with an interesting history first celebrated in Maryland then Los Angeles, California and now New York City. Let us give special thanks to the hard working officers and members of this organization, for making this rare opportunity possible. At three, we just did not learn how to kick a ball, climb the stairs and grasp a pencil to scribble but we learned how to run the race and paint beautiful pictures. With fourteen chapters, indeed we have reached a remarkable milestone of our childhood. As I look back, I was amazed with the extra ordinary stories you all have contributed and I’m always excited of what’s ahead as we continue our journey as a family.

Together we’ve displayed a remarkable resiliency in the face of any challenges not only in the four walls of our classroom but in the community as well. Despite of the changes in our teaching world, we remained to be the best and brightest. We are still the frontlines, stretching students’ imaginations, challenging their thinking, serving as a mentor and guiding the future of our city and our country Juggling the plethora of demands and responsibilities, teachers are often making more decisions than an emergency room physician. “True teachers use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create bridges of their own, “said Nikos Kazantzakis. Let us give special thanks for the opportunity we have as teachers, we are a gift appreciated by many, and often remembered for a lifetime.

As teachers we stand together and I hope you’ll stand with us (UNIFFIED) as we continue the cause of this organization. See you next year and thank you for all your support.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDING CHAIRMAN LUMEN CASTAÑEDA

Every person has been given the ability to do certain things well. As the Bible says, if you are given the talent to speak, then speak , attested by the great speaker who get paid thousands to give a speech; if you are given the talent to sing , then sing as we see a lot of good singers in the world; if you are given the talent to teach , then teach as the awardees tonight are doing. Those who cannot stand the difficulty and hardships of teaching especially here in America are not made for it and they leave.

As I go through life, I am always reminded that I am one choice away from changing my passion in life (but I won’t) that of recognizing teachers in America. It started with the Search for “Ulirang Guro” , Outstanding Filipino Teachers of America which did honor 33 teachers on 4 ocassions. Then comes Gawad Lingkod (Service Award) where UNIFFIED gave about 180 teachers the recognition of being in the service in the areas of their expertise. At the same time, retired teachers were honored with the Gawad Sinagtala. The Influential Teacher award (Gawad Akay) came out of the blue and 51 teachers from around the Northeast converged at the Palladium of NYU. The one which is coming is the Gawad Tanging Guro ng Taon (Distinguish Teacher of the Year with a Purpose.) It has the same requirements as “Ulirang Guro” with a twist. The teacher has to have a project in the Philippines which will help uplift a community.

Somebody said that it is not what you gather but what you scatter that tell what kind of life you have lived.

“What legacy did you leave for others to follow?” was my opening statement when I was selected as a Legacy Lady by the North Bronx Negro Association of NY. It keeps reminding me to scatter some dust not for success but for significance because the latter will even outlast me. It keeps on giving . If you positively influence somebody to change and that somebody changes another person who impacts another and so on, your life become significant.

A lot of people say that the purpose of life is to be happy. Somehow, I believe that life should be useful, responsible, and compassionate. You are here to stand for something, to make a difference in others and to the little corner of the world you are in.

I wish to express my deepest admiration to all the awardees tonight because they are all outstanding in their own rights and I pray that you will be models to inspire others to follow suit.

Let me close with a quotation by Helen Keller which says, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”

Congratulations to all the awardees!

Mabuhay kayo! Mabuhay ang mga Guro ! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas !

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

UNITED FEDERATION OF FIL-AM EDUCATORS UNIFFIED

Vision: To organize and unify the Filipino–American teachers around the United States of America into an organization that will showcase their exemplary abilities in the school and in the community.

Mission: to realize its vision, the organization, UNIFFIED, will empower the teachers to have a commitment and dedication in implementing and supporting programs that will assist them and respond to their needs.

Objectives: 1) To assist teachers in their quests for a permanent status in the USA. 2) Provide incentive to teachers to engage in community development and service to benefit the community in America, in the Philippines, as well as the Filipinos as a people.

3) Recognize and acknowledge the outstanding achievements of Filipino American teachers here in the United States of America and around the world.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE SUMMIT AWARDEES: Rising to the Challenge of Excellence in Education: MARICEL SALVACION RAMON MAGNO & LUZ REBECCA SUMINGWA LISA CUREG & JOSEFINA PRESADO PETER DOLIENTE & EMILIA QUIDIT TERESA CABAGUI & MELVIN DAMAOLAO DR. REYNALDO ANDRADE DR. MAXIMO GIMENO & MA. ALMA TORREMOCHA DR. MURRAY NAVARRO CATHERINE ORPILLA DR. LAWRENCE MANGABAT TIFFANY BRENDA BENEDICTO

Special Award…………………………………..…...ARIS PANGILINAN Salin –Dunong……………………………………….ROLAND OUANO LEONILA PO GEMMA ESPINOSA JONATHAN DEMOL MELVIN DAMOLAO JUDE LURA LYNNE CIOCON

Past president Award………………………………….ELSA DOMINGO JONATHAN DEMOL LYNNE CIOCON MAXIMO GIMENO

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

NATIONAL OFFICERS RONIE MATAQUEL

President (NY)

LYNNE CIOCON

Executive Vice president (MD)

ANA RHINA ANDRES

External Vice President (NC)

EDGAR DACPANO

Internal Vice President (NTX)

LEONA GALINDO

Documentation Director (FL)

ELSA DOMINGO

Membership Director (DC)

BELLA ESTANISLAO

Finance Director (NY)

CATHERINE ORPILLA

Audit Director ( SC)

CECILLA GUILALAS

Technology Director (LO)

MAXIMO GIMENO

Global Director (LA)

JONATHAN DEMOL MELVIN DAMAOLAO

Publications Directors

ALLISON TIANGSON

Events and Public relationa Director

(NC) CONNIE MANGAOIL

Professional Development (VA)

TERESA CABAGUI MALOU CADACIO

(NY) Project Development Directors (MD)

EDGARDO SADDUL

(MD)

LUMEN CASTANEDA

Founding chair

LORLI VILLANUEVA

Board Adviser

ATTY. JESUS MARTIN

Legal Adviser

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

Special Award “Success is not measured by what a person accomplishes , but by the oppositions they have encountered and the courage with which they have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds,” according to Orison Sweft Marden.

The awardees tonight underwent these struggles when they came to the different parts of the United States of America to share their expertise in teaching. Some were very successful while others survive.

“Filipinos are resilient like the bamboo, “ as Cardinal O’Connor of the diocese of New York used to say. Yes, indeed. They cope with difficulties and hardships to make it through the years. The bend here and there to get up the ladder of survival and eventually success.

One of these teachers is a particularly top of the class. Aris Pangilinan was not only a good one among the many but he was recognized by no other than the president of the United States of America, President Obama, as the only Asian and Filipino who was honored at the White House among White Americans. He received the Presidential Award, National teacher of the Year, 2016.

At the same time, in the same year, he was chosen as one of the top 50 semifinalist from 8,000 teachers from around the world, in the “Search for Global Teachers for $1,000,000.00 UNIFFIED is happy to honor and recognize him for the big feat he has accomplished and we will always be on the look-out for teachers who excel.

I wish to advise you and the other teachers to “Dare to Dream, dare to fly and dare to be chosen to touch the sky.”

Congratulations and may you accomplish more successes in your lifetime!

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

ARIS PANGILINAN Washington, DC

WORLD’S TOP 50 GLOBAL TEACHERS

Aris grew up in Batangas, Philippines with 11 brothers and sisters, and instead of pursuing a doctorate he sent his younger siblings to college. He was a high school and college teacher in the Philippines for seven years. For the last 13 years he has worked in DC Public Schools, teaching AP Statistics, AP Computer Science, and Project Lead the Way Computer Science and Principles of Engineering.

Aris is a product of Enverga University in Quezon and the Philippine Normal University in Manila. He finished Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics, Cum-Laude, and a candidate of Master of Arts in Educational Management and Administration with units in Measurement and Evaluation.

Aris uses a flipped-classroom approach and project-based learning, and has developed a variety of teaching styles to engage especially his less accomplished students. His students won numerous local and national mathematics and STEM competitions, achieved up to 100% proficient and 52% advanced in standardized testing, and received college internships and scholarships including Bill Gates and POSSE. Aris received numerous professional developments from College Board, PLTW, Google, Microsoft, National Science Foundation and the White House, Siemens, Columbia, Harvard, Penn State, Howard, and Duke University. He also served as an instructional coach, STEM Director, and panelist in several education policy forums including DC Public Schools, DC State Board of Education, DC Council, National Journal Live, Student First, New Jersey Board of Education, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Education Pioneers.

For his efforts to improve academic access for all students regardless of their background, Aris has won several local and national awards. Some of his awards include: In 2009, he was the first Filipino teacher to receive the DCPS’ and Washington Post Teacher of the Year; In 2013, he was the first Filipino to become a National STEM Fellow; In 2015, he was the First Filipino to receive the highest award in teaching mathematics and science in the US given by the National Science Foundation and President Barack Obama.

In 2016, he was the First Filipino to be included in the World’s Top 50 of the Global Teacher Prize, a $1 million dollar prize known to be the Nobel Prize of Teaching with over 8,000 nominations from 148 countries. Last week, he was also awarded as Educator of the Year by the DC Government.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

OF EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

Challenges make life interesting.

Overcoming Challenges make life ...

Meaningful.

Teaching in America is full of challenges and trials. When one comes to America, one is full of ideas of a land of milk and honey.

Not knowing it will be full of hardships and heartaches. But Filipinos are like the bamboo, they will sway and bend with the wind, but will remain strong and unbreakable.

Although not 100 % of the teachers are like the bamboo, still most of them have perseverance, patience, courage and guts to fight it out and they survive in spite of difficult odds. They are recognized by administrators as outstanding and exemplary in their teaching.

It is with these thoughts that prompted Ronie Mataquel to initiate in giving the award “Rising to the Challenge of Excellence in Education. “

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc. DR. LAWRENCE MANGABAT Virginia Beach Rising to the Challenge of Excellence in Education

I came to America in July of 2006 thru the Cordell Hull teacher exchange program. I would say, it was one checked off my bucket list. I was assigned to teach at Ocean Lakes High School, the best high school in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Since then, I am living OL’s traditions and wearing her Blue, Silver, White and Gold colors with pride.

I always feel that what I am doing, wherever I am, is the most important career on earth. Hence, when I got here in America, I was full of excitement, eager to share my God-given talent to the American students. But things did not start easy. The atmosphere was different. Just any new teacher, specially coming from a different culture, I dealt with a number of challenges and had to traverse around, over or through them to subsist in a day to day basis. I dread coming to work that I asked myself “What did I get into?” I felt so frustrated I questioned my conviction. But I persevered.

It took me some time before I acclimatized to the new environment and culture.

Luckily, I have very supportive administrators. They assigned an accomplished mentor to assist me in adapting to the new classroom atmosphere. They sent me to seminars and workshops on effective classroom management and differentiated teaching strategies to cognitively equip me for the battles inside the classroom. All these made a difference.

The very first weapon I utilized was a well-crafted classroom expectations, which I enforced to the letter up to this day. This is coupled with strong parents involvement through which I encouraged their support to ensure students success in my classroom.

Collaboration is also a key factor in overcoming the difficulty I had in teaching in America. The relationships I built with my colleagues translated into self-confidence. It opened opportunities to share responsibilities in formulating appropriate and rigorous lesson plans. It builds camaraderie and respect.

To cite evidence, the summative evaluation by the former Math and Science Coordinator of OLHS noted that I have established a mutually respectful learning environment. She added that the general classroom management and daily procedures are efficient and effective, that in spite of the cultural and pedagogical challenges. I was able to quickly assimilate into American’s way of life and work. My Principal wrote on the recommendation letter that she found me to be the consummate professional. She attested that I work collaboratively with other teachers and has gained the respect of my peers.

Recently. I was a recipient of “I MAKE A DIFFERENCE” badge. According to Casey Foster, “I stand in awe of his hard work, dedication, and attention to detail. I wish everyone could witness the amount of time and care that he puts into every lesson. Lawrence does so much more than teach mathematics. He sponsors the Asian Culture Club and Chess Club as well. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Lawrence is a wealth of knowledge and a true champion for education.”

After an awful start, I am back to my old self. A teacher who is full of enthusiasm and selfconfidence. The school year 2006 – 2007 was a learning experience, which I used as a spring board to be a better teacher. And yes, just like what I believed in before I got here in America, I still feel that what I am doing, wherever I am, is the most important career on earth.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

JOSEFINA PRESADO Baltimore

Rising to the Challenge of Excellence in Education Awardee

I came to the United States on September, 2005. I was hired to be a teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing. My assignment was at Thomas Johnson Middle School where the deaf program for the middle school at Prince Georges County was assigned. Cultural challenges, getting my certification, and building relationship among colleagues, administrators, parents, and students were the challenges I faced when I first came to U.S. Teaching the middle school grades was tough. The grade level I was assigned was 8 th grade.

I taught 4 subjects (Reading, Math, Social Studies, and Science.). Since all of my students were deaf and hard of hearing, I was using most of the time total communication as method to deliver my instructions. I was challenged on how I will communicate with my students. The sign language my students were using were not the same as the one I used in the Philippines. I needed to learn American Sign Language. Through the years, I was able to overcome those challenges by getting into workshops and learning by my own. My effort to effectively collaborate between educators, administrators, and families of my students paid off when they saw me as a teacher of record in the building. With the support of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist, my administrators, colleagues, and parents in the program, I was able to adjust to the culture and to the program. I never surrendered during the tough times in my teaching in the United States. I attended all the workshops for special education, workshops offered for each subject I taught, and even spent my own money to upgrade my knowledge. I do believe that teaching is one of the most complicated jobs. It demands a broad knowledge of subject matter, a caring attitude, and a desire to make a difference in the lives of students.

This year marked my 11th year of teaching in the U.S. I can say that those challenges I faced made me stronger and ready to face more challenges in my teaching profession. . This is my 28th year in educating the lives of the most challenged group in the Educational system. I also owe my country, the Philippines, who prepared me for these challenges. I am extending my gratitude to my family, my colleagues, friends, and God for all my successes in the profession I have chosen in making a difference in the lives of my students. Thank you to all of you.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educa-

CATHERINE ORPILLA South Carolina

Rising to the Challenge of Excellence in Education Awardee

Teaching is a legacy. Yes, indeed! I was deeply inspired by my mother and one of many special teachers who lead me to view my future during my early years of learning and that made me decide to continue their love of extending knowledge to our learners.

Inspiring students with different culture in a foreign land that I ever wished in my life, United States, is a great challenge and at first I thought I can’t make it due to culture differences but now I say that I am blessed because I am on my 8th year of teaching in USA had surpassed several challenges and even take risk and do my best to keep my pledge of extending the legacy I vowed. Now, as soon as I step at my school’s gate, I am proud of myself and even give great smiles meeting my students and ready to take the challenges that may come. Hence, I always have to make plans that I have to be flexible as soon as I meet my learners and colleagues at work.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

DR. REYNALDO ANDRADE North Texas Riaing to the Challenge of Excellence in Education Awardee

Having been educated for the most part of my education and taught in a Catholic institution in the Philippines, teaching in the United States of America was difficult. Unknowingly, I had a culture shock. There were occasions of miscommunication between me and my students due to my accent. Students are carefree. Occasionally, I cannot teach because students are not interested to learn. On the administration side, everything that I am hearing is performance based on test scores from district or state examinations. Some parents are unsupportive of their children. New teachers come and go. They do not stay long in their profession.

Filipino teachers, however, are resilient and flexible. We always rise above the occasion despite the difficulties and challenges of teaching. We are for most of the times compliant and hardworking to attain our goals. We smile despite our struggles. Students, parents, and administration are always appreciative of our efforts to educate their children despite the odds.

It was only when I worked for about 10 years in the central administration of the Dallas Independent School District in different capacities that I saw and understood why principals are so pressured for their respective schools to perform. I saw how principals were treated by their bosses when their school is underachieving. In like manner, teachers are expected to perform based on students’ data as reflected in the district and/or state examinations. It is the U.S. system of education of accountability and performance that matters.

Hence, when I went back to teaching, I always make an effort to improve my craft. I always take advantage of professional development opportunities offered by the district and implement them in the classroom. I always try out best teaching practices and adapt them according to the needs of my students. I use data to drive my instruction and provide assistance to students that are in need of assistance. I take leadership role to mentor teachers in my department who are making efforts to improve their teaching.

In the end, I thank God that I am still teaching and enjoying teaching with my middle schoolers.

Mabuhay ang mga Filipino teachers! Mabuhay ang UNIFFIED!

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

TRINITY BRENDA BENEDICTO Washington, DC Rising to the Challenge of Excellence in Education Awardee

I, Trinity Brenda P. Benedicto, am a Head Start Teacher in Prince George’s County, and have been working in this county since 2013. Being a teacher is not a bed of roses, more so being a Filipino Teacher. Bearing the name of our beloved Philippines, it has been my mission to do my job as an educator to the best of my ability, to teach my little students the basic fundamentals of knowledge and learning in a most interesting and effective way, and most of all, modeling for them the characteristics of an honorable, respectful, dignified, caring, useful, and concerned citizen in a humble way worthy of emulation .

Staying after school to prepare my lesson plans, my visual aids, manipulatives, and decide on the best strategy to teach my lessons so that it will be best understood by my inquisitive and eager students, is a normal, day to day welcome challenge. Even more important is that every minute I am with my students, I strive to build their self esteem, their self confidence, and the knowledge that they are important, that they matter, and that they can do anything they put their head and heart into, with determination, hard work and great positive expectations. If you can convince your students to believe that they can do anything, with proper guidance, they can move mountains of learning and deliver the best product of educational growth that any teacher can impart on them.

In order to give students the utmost knowledge resource in the most efficient way, I study continuously to equip my self. I attend 7-10 seminars and workshops a year on professional development for effective pedagogy, effective educator and teacher leadership skills development. I worked to be a certified advanced teacher, continued my additional master of education studies here in the United States, at Strayer University and graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors. I underwent the State Certification Process called the Maryland State National Board Certified Teachers, which, by the grace of God, I passed successfully in October 2012. Yes, I say by God’s grace and His divine providence, because I know it is because of Him that I am able to survive and achieve in this foreign land, thousands of miles away from my family, with only fellow teachers as my support and source of advise, and the prayers of my religious community brothers and sisters who encourage me all throughout this educational journey. Yes, God is my source of strength, wisdom and counsel. With Him on our side, success and victory is assured. So in front of you all, I thank God. To Him be the glory!

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc. PETER DOLIENTE New Jersey Rising to the Challenge of Excellence in Education Awardee

“To teach is to learn twice.”

This is something I heard from my teacher when I was in High School. It prompted me to become a peer tutor to my struggling classmates back then, something that stuck on my mind all these years. I guess my vocation to teach started when I made that decision to make myself better before helping out others to do better also.

Teaching is not an easy task anywhere you go. But the US is just another level because of the many adjustments that you have to adapt to in order to become an efficient and effective educator. CULTURE, teaching methodology, strategies, evaluation, assessments etc. are some of the few things that I had to struggle with as a neophyte teacher here in the USA. (By the way, I had 9 years of teaching experience in the Philippines before moving here.) It’s hard enough to be uprooted and transferred to a totally new place and start anew. Then still have to deal with students who have their own share of problems and baggage that they carry from home or somewhere else.

But I like challenges. Teaching is more than just a noble profession, but a “calling” – a vocation.

The challenge of making someone better and the idea of positively influencing the young excite and fuel the fire within me to help. In teaching Mathematics, I get delighted when I see a student giving me a smile or a nod of approval that he understands and can apply the concept in real world situations. The use of proper methodology, strategies and technology enhance the learning of students in different levels, needs and learning styles. The routine of setting goals, teaching procedure and closure in a session or unit give the students a sense of security in his learning environment.

My approach with the children that is given under my care has always been guided by Reason, Kindness and Values. Reason: I’m a firm believer that if you explain the rationale behind your instruction it clearly gives direction and purpose to their learning. Kindness: As much as respect begets respect, kindness is given back when you share it. It may not be an immediate return, but it will come. Values: The student may forget all the topics that you cover in Math for the time they are with you, but they will remember all the values that you have shared with them for the rest of their lives. Values like perseverance in answering those difficult problems, self-control when they’re about to lose their temper, respect, etc. are the ones they will carry on and practice even after their school life.

Finally, I decided to do the most noble career of teaching because I know that learning is a lifelong process. As long as you live, you keep on learning new things. The moment you stop learning is when you stop living. So, as I said at the beginning, “to teach is to learn twice.” The more you love learning, the more you love living.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

Challenge can’t be called a challenge if it is not difficult or hard to tackle. It needs patience, perseverance, flexibility, effort, common sense, and most of all WISDOM from Above.

A friend of mine from the Philippines asked me, “How did you rise to the challenge of education in America?” I humbly answered her, “I didn’t overcome the challenges by myself alone but through PRAYERS. God sent me brilliant mentors, very supportive co-Filipino teachers, and colleagues to lighten my burdens and undertakings. Aside from that, my family and friends were becoming my prayer warriors throughout the difficult journey of my life.

In January 2002 was my first year of teaching in the Compton Unified School District in California, USA. It was a big disaster for me. I was assigned to Walton Middle School to teach 6th-grade self-contained class. I don’t have any exposure on how to handle big kids. I never thought that the students were rude and disrespectful. It was the start of the traumatic journey.

It’s easy to teach but difficult to manage. I was so stressed and there was no day that I could hold back my tears. No matter how I convinced myself to look at my students as if they were Abraham Lincoln in green bucks, it was not enough reason that I should continue teaching. I was on the verge of packing out my things and go home!

But how could I be back if I could not even afford to buy a plane ticket back? I had insurmountable financial debts to pay. I owed a huge amount of money from a lending company! Looking, it was my turning point to challenge my tears from falling! I braved myself from the bullish 6th Graders!

I struggled every single day and the only weapon that I had was to pray the Holy Rosary every morning before the class will begin. I asked God’s mercy and miracle that everything will be fine. My past experiences of teaching here in the US contributed a huge impact on my life as a teacher. Through sufferings, hardships, and challenges I came to know myself better. I became a master of identifying and learning from my weaknesses and strengths. I became adept at managing things so as to survive and learn to love my teaching profession.

I live by this quote, “Quitting is not the answer.” My weaknesses turned into a scaffold that widens my horizon in teaching. I attended lots of professional development training and seminars to become fully equipped and be the best teacher. Also, by learning the 21st-century skills and strategies boosted my confidence to face the challenges in teaching.

I do believe that we are all walking this journey called LIFE. It’s a journey… No one is ahead of us or behind us. We are not more “advanced” or “less enlightened.” We are exactly where we need to be. It’s not a contest… It’s LIFE! We are ALL teachers and we are ALL students. To make things easier, I quoted Mark Warren, “Everyone has their own path to follow. The more you worship, the less you’ll worry. You’ll feel more patient and less pressured. “

United Federation of Fil-Am Edu-

LUZ SUMINGWA Maryland Rising to the Challenge of Excellence in Education Awardee

Teaching in the US has never been in my dreams but when the opportunity came for me to try my luck to go abroad, I was so thankful that God brought me to this “land of promise” as most people say, or the land of the free and the home of the brave”.

There are a lot of challenges facing teachers today, particularly for a teacher like me who came from entirely different cultural, economic and social background. Of all these challenges, it is the student attitude toward learning or classroom behavior that is my greatest battle everyday. Despite all the challenges, I could say that I am able to PRAISE our loving Father every passing day.

Preparedness to me is one if not the most important weapon in teaching. This involves wellprepared Lesson. Some of these classes have students with learning deficiencies or difficulties, some with behavior or discipline issues and some are ELL and some are identified as Talented and Gifted. Knowing my “Responsibilities” as a teacher is a key factor for success. I need to know and perform my duties as an educator, as a mentor and role model for the students, as friend, coworker and collaborator to my colleagues, and as a responsible and dutiful subordinate to the administrators and immediate supervisors.

“Inspirations” are like my milk and honey that strengthen me, recharges me and put me high in spirits each passing day. There are a lot of times, I wanted to give up, “ayaw ko na, di ko na kaya ang mga ugali ng mga ito, ang hirap “ are common lines coming out when my low moments come. But, because I have a lot of reasons to be in the classroom, not only because of the “green bucks or green gold” but because of my passion to touch the lives of my students and share with them what I know, what I have, that I know are gifts from my Creator They say, a good leader is first a good follower. While, I am in this part of the world, where there is too much freedom, I consider my being submissive to authorities keep me still in my teaching job. Even if it is hard thing to do, as long as it is required or mandated by my profession, program or procedure by the district or state ,I make sure that I abide and respect the authorities. To add to this, I have a lot of “food supplements”. Tips from friends who had been here for longer time and had more mastery and familiarity with the educational and social culture of the USA and support from my administrators and colleagues are my food supplements that energize me each day. Of course, the willingness to learn and relearn things is also something important.

Finally, I know that I am not perfect. I have my limitations and weaknesses as a teacher. Teaching is lifetime Learning. Each day is a learning day for me. New trends, technologies, strategies and methodologies, curricular innovations and enrichment or changes come and go for the pursuit of “Excellence”- Excellent service to the people around me.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

RAMON MAGNO Maryland Rising to the Challenge of Excellence in Education Awardee I am Ramon F. Magno, a high school mathematics teacher from the Philippines. I started my career here in the US on February 5, 2007. The very first day on that date, the principal wanted me, together with other new Filipino mathematics teachers, to start teaching right away because the class that we are going to take over have no teachers for 5 months. We requested the principal to give us time to observe other math classes so that we have an actual observation in the classroom. The principal granted our request for one full day of classroom observation. The next day is my actual day of teaching, when I entered the classroom assigned to me, it was very unorganized, worksheet were filed up high at the back table of the classroom.

The students arrived and entered in the classroom, I have introduced my self to my class with the support of our team leader and the assistant principal. My introduction was smooth and my second day went well and I was excited for my third day and my second day of teaching. On that third day I have experienced the real attitudes and behaviors of the students. They were loud, talkative, and everywhere in the classroom, paper balls were flying, in short the class was chaotic and not safe. The students were shouting and yelling; “we don’t want you here, go back to your country”.

During my first-two weeks of teaching in middle school, I almost give up and thinking of going back home in the Philippines. I rely on my faith to almighty God. I keep on praying daily for guidance and mantle of protection. Then I taught to myself, “don’t give up, the reason why you were here because you want to teach in the US”. In order for me to over come those challenges and struggles in the classroom, I seek the assistance of my mentor, from our school district. She comes everyday to help me of how to handle students’ behavioral issues and other classroom issues that hinder my instruction. I also attended different professional developments being offered by the county. I need to motivate myself everyday in going to school that all my students need me and they are the reason why I am here in the US. Then June came and I was one of the teachers that were affected in the staff reduction. I informed Mr. Gaskin in the human resource office, about my situation and he advised me to attend a job fair, which I did, but I was not fortunate to get hire. So I went to his office and luckily there was in need of math teacher in one of the high school buildings in the county. So I got a teaching position in Potomac High School, Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland for the school year 2007-2008. Since then, that high school building is my second home up to present. I still have different behavioral issues in the classroom but I can handle them. Through the knowledge and skills that I have learned in different professional developments that I have attended and participated in and outside of our school building those issues and struggles are now easy for me to handle. I need to set a positive classroom climate or environment. The first seven minutes of the class in Warm Up, then introduction of the lesson and discussion, note taking, then classwork, work in pairs and in groups, whole class discussion, closure, and exit ticket, and homework.

My focus now is my students achievements, how to move my basic students to proficient, and from proficient to advanced. In order for me to achieve this goal, I need to teach my students with the concepts and skills that are aligned with the curriculum with standards. I need to expose my students to the standards to determine what they have .

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

LISA CUREG Louisiana Rising to the Challenge of Excellence in Education Awardee

I was hired to teach Pre-Algebra to 8th grade students at Shugart Middle School in Prince Georges County, Maryland in October 2004. I came from a culture and background that is quite different from my students’. Hence, the first three months of teaching Mathematics to them was challenging. It was with the support of my colleagues, a mentor and effective teaching strategies from workshops and conferences that I was able to overcome the challenge. At the end of the school year, I received an “Outstanding Service” award. I continued to teach at Shugart for another year.

I was given the opportunity to teach Mathematics at Maya Angelou Public Charter School in Washington, D. C. in August 2006, after I left Shugart Middle School. I taught Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, Pre-Calculus and AP Calculus. I had faced unique challenges at Maya Angelou while teaching eleventh and twelfth graders in a facility that was undergoing a renovation. I overcame these challenges by writing curriculum that addressed the different learning needs of my students, working and collaborating with teachers across different disciplines, developing math focus groups, facilitating intervention blocks using on-line materials and serving as a mentor to college-bound students. As I continued to educate youth scholars at Maya Angelou, I felt the need to incorporate Mathematics into different disciplines. It was during the end of my eight year (2014) at Maya Angelou that I accepted the STEM instructor position at Thomas Johnson Middle School in Prince Georges County, Maryland. Although teaching middle school scholars has been tough, I continued to create a safe and positive learning environment for them. My professionalism and dedication paved the way for Thomas Johnson to be recognized at STEM events. I had become a major resource for my students because of my thematic approach to Science and Mathematics. My students won various awards at Final Frontiers competitions. In addition, I took the challenge of collaborating with colleagues to run a STEM festival as well as taking the role of MathCounts coach throughout each entire school year. It was with these programs that my scholars demonstrated their skills in solving scientific and mathematical challenges.

This year marks my twelfth year of teaching in the United States of America. The challenges I faced and how I overcame them will be my motivation to continue to play my role in influencing the lives of my students – the role which possesses the qualities of an educated and charismatic individual who not only touches my students’ minds but also their spirits. I am forever grateful to God, my family, friends and colleagues for allowing me to be a part of an education system dedicated to making a difference in the lives of students.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

DR. MURRAY NAVARRO Sacramento & surrounding vicinity

Rising to the Challenge of Excellence in Education Awardee

There is no unique and effective lesson plan that is adequate to all students in a single classroom. Responding to the challenges of any diverse classroom with wide spectrum of learning abilities demands a great responsibility and dedication in order for hardworking teacher can instill effective instruction. More important, it is imperative that a secondary school teacher needs to be trained and equipped with essential teaching skills to overcome the demands of changing the underachieving student’s performance to a highly proficient and college-ready level.

I consider that the following essential elements which prepared me to overcome the obstacles in teaching here in America and humbly sharing to you in this journal:

I am the “Father of all Nations” in my classroom. I embrace all my students regardless of skin color, race or gender.

A class of students in my four-wall room with cultural diversity demands delicate care and understanding to acclimatize the environment to make it conducive for learning. As a teacher, I will NOT deprive students from gaining knowledge based on their cultural background.

I try to update my teaching with modern tools. As a teacher in this time, I seek training to enhance learning in this world of technology. From the era of chalk and blackboard, the evolution of modern equipment should not be a deterrent but treated as fundamental tools to engage students in the process of delivering lessons.

I make an effort to demonstrate high level of dignity in the classroom. As I get ready to teach, I compose myself in a manner that my students will hopefully keep high admirations as their mentor inside and outside the classroom and in return they will reciprocate the respect they experienced from me.

I strive to be compassionate with my students’ character deficiencies. I understand that my students are human beings with feelings just like you and I. Students’ behavior in the classroom is often a reflection of their individual family situations. I try to engage my belligerent students with a plan that provides an avenue of opportunity to be proactive in my class and overcome the negative expectations surrounding them. I often reach into a bag of tricks to disarm stressful situations in my classroom and failure is not an option for my students.

I often times have a persona of a stage actor with award-winning acting prowess. I consider my classroom as an opera house where I perform my award-winning act despite of having my own burdens and problems. I, too, am a human being but the show must go on no matter what emotional problem is distressing me. My audience, my ultimate fans - my students - should witness and experience my greatest performance as a primary actor rather than as an understudy actor.

The real principle of teaching takes place when I can effectively deliver the best paraphernalia suited for my students to utilize in the actual world. Thus, as an effective Mathematics teacher in America, I need both personal and technological skills aside from the content knowledge in order to be a successful agent of change in the classroom.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

EMILIA QUIDIT New Jersey Rising to the Challenge of Excellence in Education Awardee

“To reach children’s minds, a teacher must capture their hearts.” —G. LaGrone I did not stumble into the noblest profession called “teaching.” I chose to be a teacher because I believed that I could make a difference in the life of a child. This has been my strongest motivation since I began teaching, to help in the molding of the young’s mind, body and soul.

At this point in time as I look back, I could combine my teaching experiences in the Philippines and Nigeria for over a decade, as being profound and satisfying. I did not really encounter many problems as children came to school prepared and motivated. I taught with dedication and enthusiasm and at the end of the day, I could honestly say that I have done the best I could.

When I started teaching in America twenty-eight years ago, on my first day of school, I was totally bewildered for little did I know that all my skills and abilities as a professional teacher would be put to a challenge. That the challenge here is not really how to teach, but to handle students with various kinds of discipline problems. I often found myself deep in thought on how can I possibly impart knowledge and how can children effectively learn in a state of chaos and disorder. Something has to be done! I collaborated with fellow teachers, parents and superiors. I decided to know my students very well: What made them laugh, cry or sad, shared with their ups and downs, was there every step along the way. When we capture children’s hearts, everything else falls into place.

A teacher will never go wrong when she handles children with her heart, she captures their minds in return. I sincerely thank these children for they taught me to rise to the challenge of teaching in America!

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

MELVIN DAMAOLAO New York Rising to the Challenge of Excellence in Education

“If you make it here, you can make it everywhere”. This saying is what people would usually tell you if you are a newbie in New York no matter what profession you are in. New York City, they say, is for the toughest souls. This is what I heard nine and a half years ago. I made it this far so I must have what it takes to survive in this seemingly harsh and indifferent place.

I officially became a NYC teacher on October 3rd, 2006. The NYC Department of Education officials who hired us had to place many of us in different schools as substitute teachers for we have not been accepted to regular schools yet. I was assigned to one of the worst schools in the city. Crime rate in the neighborhood was high and students were extremely rude to both their teachers and their peers. The students were not even afraid of the principal. They do not fear any authority figures at all. My life was like a living hell. Everyday, I would cover for 5 different teachers with 5 different subjects. Just imagine my life back then. These students do not respect their own subject teachers, how much more the substitute teachers? I have been ridiculed, cursed at, told to go back to my forest, insulted, and more. Students would throw paper balls at each other, scream at each other, ran around the room, bang the chairs, fight one another and do all disgusting things. And I could not do anything. They would not listen to me. If I give them worksheets to do, they would tear it up in my face, roll them into a ball and shoot the paper ball into the trashcan. I do not have control over the class and no teacher in that school ever did control any of their classes. I thought I would only see those things in movies but I actually saw it with my own eyes and I experienced it. My life was beyond miserable. I did not want to go to school every morning. I would have to drag myself out of bed everyday. I told myself that once I finish paying my debts, I would definitely go home.

One good thing that came out of my experience from my first school is the fact that it brought me closer to God. Believe it or not, everyday at 7:00 AM, I would go to the church near my apartment and pray.

I would pray that nothing bad would happen to me or to the students. I would even pray that I would not get to cover for teachers. I got my strength from God and no one else. And somehow I made it there for 5 months.

Fast-forward, I applied and got hired at my current school. This school is the total opposite of the other school. My school is an International School where students are all recently immigrated students to the USA and our job as teachers is to teach them not only content but language as well. Our students come without any English but they graduate from our school like native speakers of the language. Not to brag but our students are so similar to our students in the Philippines. They are so respectful, of course with the exception of a handful, and they are generally interested to learn. The two schools are like night and day. My principal is so supportive to teachers and students. I guess my prayers have worked after all.

Do I still look forward to going home? Yes, but only for vacations. I think I found my niche as a teacher. This school is where I belong – Bronx International High School. And even though I could potentially make it anywhere now, I have no plans of leaving New York City just yet.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

DR. MAXIMO H. GIMENO Los Angeles, CA Rising to the Challenge of Excellence in Education Awardee

Writing this piece for the Rising to the Challenge Award is indeed another face of the challenge. But let me work on the timeline scheme. In the year 2000, the Compton School District recruited teachers from the Philippines. More than 50 teachers were hired, this time, more from the Visayas and Mindanao. At that time I was working as Education Supervisor II in the Higher Education Region VII. At the height of Filipino recruitment to teach in California, I was helping in the issuance of the Certificate for Practice Teaching to the teacher applicants while supervising the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Communications Division. When the applicants started arriving in California in 2001, I decided to join the recruitment spree. Luckily, I got accepted and it took me a year to arrive in California, 2002 due to the 9-11 phenomenon.

August 2002 that I arrived in California, I worked as teacher assistant in a summer class at Whaley Middle School. The biggest challenge kicked in when I was accepted to teach a 2nd Grade class at the Abraham Lincoln Elementary School in September. Relearning the rigor of teaching 2nd Grade was a rough climb. The challenge of teaching did not wind up on the grade level I was assigned to teach. The challenge also extended to my relationship with the principals. Sometimes, I find it better that the principal did not know my potential so I will not be assigned to other grade levels. In my 14 years in California, I have taught 6 years in 2nd Grade, 3 years in 4th Grade, 3 years in 5th Grade, and 2 years in Kindergarten.

Amongst those grade levels, my assignment to Kindergarten in 2013 was one that I considered the most challenging. Having taught in 5th Grade in 2012, I was assigned by the new principal to Kindergarten. I thought that my Kinder assignment was triggered by the dismal score my 5th Grade students got in the California Subjects Test or the CST prior to that year. When I received my tentative assignment, I was devastated. I felt demoted.

I was down in the dumps! It was my sister who consoled me, advised me to accept it and take it as a challenge.

Lo and behold! I was like that turtle thrown into the lake! Teaching Kindergarten was a whole lot enjoyable and easy. What I treasured most were the hugs that I get at the end of the day! I long to hear the “Hello and Goodbye, Teacher Max!” But the harsh reality of decreasing student population in Compton Unified School District has cut short my Kinder euphoria. I am now in the 4th Grade and indeed, the challenge is still here… teaching in America is a never ending challenge!

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

TERESA CABAGUI New York Rising to the Challenge of Excellence in Educsation Awardee

Serving in the Philippines as an educator for 27 years in a public high school , five years as a math teacher, 6 years as a math coordinator and 2 years as a Math Department Head at General Ricardo Papa Memorial High School (formerly Taguig Municipal High School Annex), my undergraduate training in Philippine Normal University, graduate training at the University of Asia and the Pacific , and my community involvement as officer of Rotary Club of Pateros and Pateros Balut Jaycees are instrumental for me to survive the challenges as educator both in Sacramento California and New City.

In Fall 2002, I started teaching at Sacramento High School. The first two days I conducted workshops on the following topics: (1) The Importance of Education in Human Development; and (2) Developing Good Habits. On the third day we started the lesson and the whole week was so amazing. On the second week the principal was so amazed that I could let them work together in groups. It was so great until some students started disrupting the class and the strategies I used in the Philippines before were not effective anymore.

I was just lucky that the school is a closing school and I was transferred to a middle school and was able to start anew. At the beginning I set and discussed with the students the classroom rules and posted it on the wall. I only have ten students in every class. The principal and colleagues were very supported. It is only at the end of the school year that I realized that all the students are the toughest in the school. The guidance counselor gave me a card with a note that I did a great job and that she was so happy how much I influenced the students to do better.

In School year 2003-2004 I was hired as a high school teacher by the New York City Board of education. In SY 2003-2006, I served as a math coach not only for Roosevelt HS provided professional development for math teachers in the campus. I also planned and facilitated professional development for newly hired high school teachers in Region I of the Bronx. I also facilitated City-wide professional development as well together with some professors from City College of New York and Prentice Hall Consultants in 2006. In that same year I was given a certificate of recognition as the Most Outstanding Marcopolo Trainer in New York City given by Verizon Foundation. In SY 2006-2007 after a series of training I was certified as Module 1-8 Trainer for Learner Centered Initiatives, LTD and at the same time I am the Math Coach of West Bronx Academy for the Future. From Fall 2007 up to the present time I am teaching at Bronx Alternate Learning Center, at the same time act as a math- technology coach and mentor to newly hired teachers. Students with Superintendent suspensions are students we deal with everyday.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc. MARICEL M. SALVACION Louisiana Rising to the Challenge o of Excellence in Education Awardee

I know that success in life comes when we refuse to give up.

My goals are clear and strong, and obstacles and losses act as my motivation. How I started is not important, but how I finished what I have started is the one that counts! The difficult decision to leave a family, years of hardship fitting in a culture where you hardly knew anybody, feeling of homesickness because of being away from relatives and friends, and the thought of settling huge debts are all the hurdles that teachers face abroad I was hired on December 2008 as a 4th-grade elementary teacher in Louisiana, USA. I was assigned to teach in a school where five teachers had already left for similar reasons, poor classroom management and high percentage of low-performing students. I couldn’t quit that job back then because I knew that I was hired for those same reasons and they needed me. So I took each bullet a day and learned from each mistake. I tried and failed several times, and tears and heartaches became a hard learned lesson. The following year, my hard work and dedication paid off as I was given my first Teacher of the Year Award. I then became more inspired to work hard. In 2015, I was given a prestigious recognition as a Finalist in the Elementary Teachers of the Year Award in East Baton Rouge Parish School System (EBRPSS) District Level 2016. My desire to meet all the needs of my students in school especially my ESL and ESS students prompted me to write grants. This year, I was awarded $ 4,000 from various organizations like ExxonMobil, Quality Science and Math Program of Louisiana State University (LSU) and Donors Choose Award that benefited my 80 students with technology.

Furthermore, my expertise has been solicited to serve as a 4th grade test question reviewer and curriculum writer in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System Professional/Accountability Department from SY 2013 to date. I was also invited on several occasions to serve as speaker/trainer on professional developments in my school and in the district.

Likewise, my proven ability to use data to inform instruction and decision-making related to student achievement has been recognized yearly. A proof was the high passing rate in Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) for SY 2009-2014. I have also been evaluated as a Highly Effective 4th-grade teacher since 2010 and obtained 98% proficiency rating in LEAP fourth grade Math SY 2013-2014. This result showed an increase of 20% from my 2012-2013 rating, which is the highest percentage recorded in La Salle Elementary since SY 2006. In addition to my experience as writer/consultant, I was chosen to participate as one of the 25 Math teacher leaders, coaches, curriculum writers across the country who went through the intensive and meaningful Math training experience spearheaded by Jason Zimba, the lead writer and received an IMET Module Training in the evaluation of Math materials in New York on September 2015 under the Student Achievement Partners. With all these scenarios, as I look at my life’s journey with all its ups and downs, with all the challenges and hardships I had to go through, I could vividly spell out how I was able to become where I am right now. My extreme passion for education and my fervent goal to create a difference in the lives of the students I have.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

ROD LIPON New Jersey Rising to the Challenge of Excellence in Education Awardee

Rising up in this challenging job during this challenging time is a big challenge to a teacher.

There are many factors that challenge the present educational era which include the rising demands of the curriculum and instruction including students’ assessment and teachers’ evaluation. However, the most challenging situation is the learning instruction with the students. I have four major principles that helped me to rise up in the midst of this challenging job. I tried to use these common strategies like calling parents, giving detention, and point system deduction but all of those things didn’t successfully change them completely.

I am being truthful to them and I am infusing values. I told them that I am not a yelling person now and I need their help. I am always telling them that I am looking at them with high expectation and hope. Each of them has value for me. Although every day is not a perfect day, however if there are challenging situations, I just make sure that everybody is safe. I always use every moment as teachable moment. Sometimes, I picked two or more challenging students to stay with me during lunch time and I am so glad talking to them while I am observing them showing gladness that I am with them for a moment.

My yes is yes and my no is no. Although it is very hard to practice in every situation but I need to exercise this principle to show firmness and consistency. If this is always observable, the students will follow.

Giving them special time is helpful. It is not every minute is a class assignment but a time to inculcate values and attitudes. I asked them about their families and friends. I found out that one of the fathers was in the hospital… and the mother left the house and the mother is nowhere to find. Another student was living with his uncle who had been yelling and screaming at all times.

He was living with a big a family that he couldn’t even find a space to sleep but only a space under the dining table.

Empowering students by guiding them to show “pride, ownership and belongingness” in the classroom is a must in my class. I always ask them about what they can suggest for the bulletin board, class activities, and among others so that I can infuse those activities in my future lessons.

I have the above principles that are working for me and I am sure some of these principles will not work to others. However, modelling positive attitudes in class or in school campus magnifies students’ positive behavior and attitude.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc. Maryland Chapter

OFFICERS Ivy Wilcher President Leila Rodulfa Executive Vice President Leonor Rayteran Vice President for Development Edgardo Saddul Recording Secretary Eleonor Nanali Correspondence Secretary Eileen Buerano Treasurer Myrna Cabreros Assistant Treasurer Elmer Nogales Auditor Fe Arenasa Assistant Auditor

Ramon F. Magno & Luz Sumingwa Rising to the Challenge of Education Awardees

Malou Cadacio Julieta Perez Press Relation Officers Luz Sumingwa Youth Adviser Bernardina Villarta Josefina Litera Youth Adviser Assistants Amalia Nogales Web Design Administrator

Celia Asuncion Divina & Eleonor Nanali Gawad Lingkod Service Awardees

Louiesamae Nogales Web Design Administrator Assistant Lynne Ciocon Ramona Tabang Carlo Parapara Board of Directors Atty. Jesus Martin Reyes Legal Counsel

Your UNIFFIED Family, Maryland Chapter is very proud of you.

UNIFFIED CHAPTER:

MEMBERS:

Veronica Galang Executive Vice President Mary Ann Palencia President

Salvador Benavidez VP Development

Fe Chavez Secretary

Susan Dulay VP Operation

Lani Alaiza Gonzales Treasurer

Joan Galeon, Isagani Celzo, Purificacion IbotMarpuri, Dante Madali, Roel Beltran, Charlotte Fushan, Anila Esmeralda, Caridad Fermin, Agustina De La Paz, Edna Esguerra, Piolo Sy, Maria Laylo, Nina Catahan, Cristina Adajar, Lunesa Escano, Cruzim Cuerquez, Gomer Aquino, Leila Aguinaldo, Rowena Suva, Helen Manansala, Juliana Baki, Sony Rillo, Elizabeth Cerilo, Roda Mongen, Rolly Borje, Loida Nartatez, Wendy Santos, Rhod Corpuz, Maricel Tosilog, Francisco Narvaez, Lorelie Merana, Sheila Flores, Lou Angelic Campolet, Martin Santos, Eduardo Abad, EJ Pagaddu, Kerwyn Mangaser Zurbano, Grace Ceballos, Anthony Catalan, Richard Flora, Teresa Ballon, Nerissa Dizon, Nerissa Galinato, and Sally Benes

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

UNIFFIED: Teaching in a Changing World New York City Summit 2016

UNIFFIED North Texas Officers

President: Ed Dacpano

Vice President: Eric Vergara

Secretary: Manny Malana

Treasurer: Grace Desamito

Project Coordinators: Elsa Andrade & Isabelita Labro

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

CONGRATULATIONS NEW JERSEY CHAPTER AWARDEES TO RISING TO THE CHALLENGE OF EXCELLENCE IN

EDUCATION & TO ALL THE AWARDEES at the Summit of 2016, May 28 –29 At Hotel Pennsylvania

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

CONGRATULATIONS THE SS CABAGUI

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

YSGF, Inc. Officers for 2013-2014 Chairman………………Ernesto Pamolarco Jr.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Vice Chairman…….. Liezl Ronquillo Secretary……………….Irene Espiritu Asst. Secretary………..Winona Minoria Treasurer………………..Vera C. Baul Auditor…………………..Annabel F. Pamolarco PRO………………………. Minda Efondo Marketing Director…Rommel Lapay Lorraine Stephenson International Coordinator

Janet C. Salazar Constance J. Peak

Advisers Dr. Lorli D. Villanueva Victoria D. Baul Consultants Atty Jesus Martin L. Reyes Legal Adviser

YSGF, Inc. Mission Statement

To reach out and provide assistance, support and training to at-risk and disadvantaged youth of all colors and creed to equip them with the necessary skills, to become contributing members of the society and to attain a brighter future.

JOIN OUR TEAM! If you are a Certified Special Education Teacher and interested to work as a full/part time SETSS Provider with YSGF, please call: 718-413-3114 email: ysgfoundation@gmail.com.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

IF INTERESTED TO PURCHASE THIS BOOK, PLEASE EMAIL …...Rosemarie Espiritu Parreno at

rosie2512@optonline.net Or call me at 917.459.0983 Soft cover……$15.99 Hard cover….$24.99

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

CONGRATULATIONS

UNITED FEDERATION OF FIL-AM

EDUCATORS (UNIFFIED) ON ITS 3RD SUMMIT OF

Recognizing Teachers as Awardees To the Challenge of Excellence in Education

Mabuhay ang mga Guro Dr. Elmer Mojica Pace University

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

CONGRATULATIONS

MABUHAY KAYO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

GAWAD LINGKOD AT GAWAD SINAGTALA

Service and Retired Teachers Award ELEONOR NANALI CELIA A. DIVINA REY DACUL LLOYD SOLIS LEODIE MARIA ROMERO CARLO PARAPARA AMOR CAINDEC MARIE JOANN MORALES FE ARENASA NORBERTO TORBESO RODOLFO URBIZTONDO KARLA TUBAL AILEEN URBIZTONDO MARITES PETARTE LISA CUREG JOSEFINA PRESADO JULITA BELCHES NORMA GERRICK IRENE BARRIENTOS Ed D MILA AGUAS CECILIA REAL BERNADETTE PIENGCO AGNES O. SANCHEZ LORA PANGILINAN

12 YEARS 10 YEARS 20 YEARS 29 YEARS 10 YEARS 18 YEARS 13 YEARS 13 YEARS 20 YEARS 20 YEARS 20 YEARS 14 YEARS 19 YEARS 23 YEARS 13 YEARS 28 YEARS 31 YEARS 28 YEARS 24 YEARS 34 YEARS 32 YEARS 13 YEARS 13 YEARS 13 YEARS

ESOL/SPED MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS HISTORY ESL MATH/ENGINEERING EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL ED MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS PHYSICAL EDUCATION SCIENCE EARLY CHILDHOOD MATHEMATICS STEM SPECIAL ED SCIENCE MATHEMATICS SPECIAL ED SPECIAL ED SPECIAL ED MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS

ANICETA CARREON

13 YEARS

SPECIAL ED

EVANGELINE LOZADA

26 YEARS

SPECIAL ED

MARIA EMMA OSORIA

26 YEARS

CHEMISTRY

JEAMNA DUPITAS CYNTHIA PAREJA MARIA CHRISTINE GEALON PERLITA WOLAHAN

Sinagtala Awardees MARY ANN GOTTLIEB

DR. EUFEMIA PATRON

CHARLENE SEIGELBERG

AMORVILLA CATABAS

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

MEETINGS AND SOCIAL EVENT!

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

Acknowledgement

UNITED FEDERATION OF FIL-AM EDUCATORS, INC.

Wish to thank all our friends, business associates, all the participants, and teachers who in one way or another gave us support in the success of this 3rd summit.

We pray that God Almighty continue to bless you so you can in turn give your blessings to others.

To God be the Glory!

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

LC LEGACY FOUNDATION, INC CONGRATULATES UNITED FEDERATION OF FIL-AM EDUCATORS (UNIFFIED) ON ITS THIRD SUMMIT & Awarding of the Rising to the Challenge of Excellence in Education, Salin— Dunong, Gawad Lingkod and Gawad

Sinagtala Award

May 28th , 2016

Hotel Pennsylvania 401 7th Avenue, NYC

LUMEN CASTANEDA FOUNDER

United Federation of Fil-Am Educators, Inc.

ARIZONA

New york

FLORIDA

NORTH CAROLINA

LOS ANGELES, CA

SOUTH CAROLINA

LA-orange county,ca

North TEXAS

LOUISIANA

Sacramento, Ca

MARYLAND

VIRGINIA

NEW JERSEY

WASHINGTON, DC

New mexico

Uniffied phils.