According to Melissa DLR. Palacios, education and disabilities manager, it is the first time that a teacher aide from Rota has been nominated for the annual Education Day awards.
“Mrs. Ogo’s nomination is well justified and validated as her performance and attendance is beyond exemplary. She has been in the program for the last 15 years and has made her classroom her second home as an educator,” Palacios said.
Ogo’s “organizational skills, awesome ideas for the children, and her level of energy bring just the right momentum to her classroom environment,” Palacios added.
“Because of her ability to make learning fun and magical, her students look forward to coming to school everyday. She has demonstrated an extraordinary work conduct and has a positive attitude towards her colleagues and work atmosphere. She has provided positive and conducive learning environment that lead to student high achievement and learning outcomes,” Palacios said.
On top of Ogo’s already tight schedule, Palacios said, she makes it a point to travel to Saipan to participate in professional development opportunities to further develop and enhance her teaching skills and strategies and to be more knowledgeable about the requirements and the performance standards of the Head Start program.
She takes time beyond her duty to coordinate and participate in parent activities to support them as the first and most important teachers of their children, Palacios said.
She added, “She has the ability to work and perform with very minimal supervision and joyfully accepts any additional responsibility. She is able to coordinate events and is not satisfied until those events are successfully completed. She is a great facilitator and a self-initiator. She is inspired by children and has the drive to work with and for them. She is committed to instill in those children, the most rewarding experiences that anyone can imagine.”
According to Ogo, “It was a very exciting moment that after working for 13 years with the program, I made a difference. With this in mind, I encourage all my colleagues to strive harder and give what you can from your heart. I am pretty sure that your time will come where you will be recognized.”
Adela Rasiang Tadao, the program’s support staff of the year, has proven herself to be an invaluable asset to Head Start, the Public School System said.
She was chosen for the honor because of her exceptional performance and attendance, PSS added.
As family advocate, Tadao deals with children and families on a daily basis, and she does so with the utmost respect and compassion, PSS said.
“She is always considerate with students’ families and is focused on helping those families meet their needs and reach their goals,” PSS added.
“Tadao is always ready to assist colleagues, and to learn new skills. She is focused and can always be counted on when she takes on a task. She is a quick learner and always a team player.”
According to Tadao, “I was amazed, shocked, and surprised, but also very, very pleased. I am very happy and felt extremely privileged just to be nominated, especially when you look at your colleagues — there’s so much talent there working with students and parents. We are an excellent resource who provide service with a smile and will go an extra mile for the lifelong success of our children. Over the past several years, I’ve really worked my way up from the bottom in this profession.”
