GTC principal Charlotte Camacho said Tawny Barcinas, Rose Sharon S. Taimanao, and Ariel Narvaez are the “Binadu’s pride” who will join the annual competition for educational excellence.
The binadu — Chamorro for deer — is GTC’s mascot.
Barcinas is in her fourth year at GTC as a fifth grade teacher.
She has been described by colleagues as a conscientious and committed teacher who always prioritizes the needs of the students first.
“It’s an honor to be given this kind of recognition and support from my students and colleagues,” she said. “It boosts my confidence as a teacher and motivates me to continue to do better.”
According to the GTC principal, teaching is not only an art for Barcinas but also a calling.
“Ms. Tawny Barcinas has answered that call,” Camacho said. “She sets high expectations for her students as well as provides them with well-rounded instruction focusing on academics, character development, and physical wellness. She challenges her students and goes beyond expectations to ensure that she meets all her students’ needs; but more importantly she continues to reflect on her teaching and ways in which she can grow professionally. She’s a team player with an optimistic attitude.”
GTC named Rose Sharon S. Taimanao as its teacher aide of the year.
Taimanao has been with GTC for the past five years as a Chamorro-Carolinian Language Heritage Studies teacher aide.
“I was truly touched and surprised to find out that I was chosen to represent GTC as the teacher aide of the year for the school year 2008-2009,” she said, adding that despite the challenges of teaching a total of seven classes daily, she still finds every school day “rewarding.”
Taimanao was described by her principal as someone who gives 110 percent to her students.
Taimanao is involved with Chamorro-Carolinian Language Heritage Studies Academic Challenge Bowl and the forensic competitions for first to sixth grade students. She is also a coach in interscholastic sports, and teaches students cultural songs and dances.
Ariel Narvaez, GTC’s support staff of the year, has been with the school for four years.
He said he enjoys the school atmosphere and rarely encounters any serious problems.
“The teachers are fun to work with and the students are great,” he said, adding that it is a great honor to be recognized for his work.
“GTC Elementary School is fortunate to have Mr. Ariel Narvaez as our one and only maintenance worker,” Camacho said. “He is an important contributor to our school success by ensuring that we have a clean and safe learning environment. He effectively manages his time to make sure that the school lawn, trees, and plants are manicured; the water pump and tanks, air-conditioning units, bathrooms, and lightings are working adequately. He also assists in helping with school functions by building props for school competitions and builds cubbies and shelves for the classrooms. Although Mr. Ariel has a lot of responsibilities, he does his job exceptionally.”
All 20 public schools are expected to present their candidates for the teacher of the year, teacher aide of the year, and support staff of the year awards. The winners will be announced on Education Day, Nov. 26 at Koblerville Elementary School.
