Marianas High School mathematics teacher Eden Mercado, 3rd right, smiles as she was honored by the Public School System for being one of the finalists in the 2023 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching or PAEMST. Also in photo are acting Commissioner of Education Eric Magofna, MHS Principal Jonathan Aguon, acting PSS Finance and Budget Director Michael Babauta and 2022 PAEMST finalist Dr. Patrick Castillon.
Dr. Marifi Doculan holds her glass trophy and plaque as one of the finalists in the 2023 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching or PAEMST. Also in photo are acting Commissioner of Education Eric Magofna, past PAEMST finalist and Board of Education Teacher Representative Dr. Dora B. Miura, 2023 finalist Dr. Patrick Castillon, 2023 Teacher of Year Donovan Tudela, PSS Human Resources Officer Lucretia Deleon Guerrero, Interim Instructional Technology and Distance Education Director Lorraine Catienza and acting Finance and Budget Officer Michael Babauta.
TWO Marianas High School teachers — Eden Mercado and Dr. Marifi Doculan — are this year’s state finalists for the 2023 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching or PAEMST, the Public School System said.
“All of our educators are phenomenal. Thank you, teachers, for all your sacrifices and commitment,” acting Commissioner of Education Eric Magofna said during a ceremony Monday afternoon in the Marianas High School cafeteria.
The announcement of the finalists coincided with the start of the Public School System’s Teacher Appreciation Week celebration.
In a letter, Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada described Mercado and Doculan as “outstanding” educators.
According to the White House, PAEMST was established in 1983 as “the highest award that kindergarten through 12th grade mathematics and science (including computer science) teachers can receive from the U.S. government.”
Nominees must complete a rigorous application process that allows them to demonstrate deep content knowledge and their ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environment.
A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists and educators at the state and national levels assess the applications before recommending nominees to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improve Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
It is the White House that will announce the national winner.
