Pinay among New York’s best teachers

Marrietta Geraldino, a Pinay teacher in the US, who received an honor as one of New York City's top teachers. (Photo Credit: newsphilippines.org) 

An accomplished Filipina teacher is among 11 educators recognized at the inaugural city-wide “Big Apple Awards,” honoring the top teachers in public schools across New York City “for going above and beyond to inspire their students.”

Marietta Geraldino, a 10th and 11th grade geometry teacher at the Frederick Douglas Academy II in Harlem, Manhattan, bested over 2,000 nominees to join the elite group of this year’s awardees.

The NYC Department of Education described Geraldino as a teacher who provides her students with the opportunity and expectation that they will master content in order to learn about the world around them and develop the confidence necessary to succeed in life.

As explained by her principal, “[Marietta] is able to deconstruct the most complex mathematical concepts and make them palpable to even the most resistant students.”

During her 24 years of teaching, nine within the New York City DOE (and 15 years in the Philippines), she has constantly searched for ways to grow as an educator and seeks out professional development opportunities to improve her practice.  

She was a high school teacher for eight years in a Catholic university and then went to teach in college at the same university.

She later became a research planning director, vice president for academic affairs, and program director.

She then moved to New York and became a teacher again.

Geraldino has two master’s degrees — one in math and the other in educational measurement and evaluation.

She then went for a fellowship in Australia at Queensland University of Technology.

She also has a doctorate degree in educational management.

“I cannot picture myself doing something else,” said the mother of four.

“You have to be good at what you’re doing and you must love what you’re doing and love the children for you to be able to teach in New York successfully. It takes a lot of heart.”

Geraldino and 10 other teachers were honored by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott in a ceremony held on June 11 at Gracie Mansion.

“Great teachers are a school’s most valuable asset, and we must recognize their skills and the impact they have on our students — even beyond the classroom,” states Bloomberg.

Excellence

The program recognizes the city’s best teachers and support a system-wide conversation about excellence in the classroom.

All award recipients receive a $3,500 classroom grant to deepen their work with students.

“The Big Apple Awards celebrate the unsung heroes who go above and beyond every day on behalf of our 1.1 million students. This group of awardees is a shining example of the wonderful diversity of teachers throughout New York City’s public schools,” said Walcott.

The program received more than 2,000 nominations from students, families, teachers, school staff, administrators and other community members.

Excerpt from: www.Filipinoreporter.us