BERNADETH Peña, a graduate of Cavite State University (CvSU), will receive the Pre-Kindergarten and Elementary Educator Achieving Child Excellence (Peace) Award of the International Association of Multicultural and Filipino-American Educators (IAM FAME) Inc. on Aug. 22 in New York City, United States.
The event is also the launch of the Teacher Empowering Achievement and Cultural Heritage (Teach) Awards.
Peña, a faculty member in the CvSU Physical Science Department for 15 years, is one of the 10 Outstanding Educators of IAM FAME 2025.
10 Outstanding Educators Awardees of the International Association of Multicultural and Filipino-American Educators (IAM FAME). CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The Teach Awards recognizes educators who inspire a love of learning, promote academic excellence, empower students, and protect invaluable cultural heritage.
The 10 Outstanding Educators category honors teachers whose innovative practices, deep dedication, and transformative influence have significantly shaped student learning and uplifted the entire educational community. It highlights their diverse approaches and unwavering commitment to fostering a brighter future for all.
The 10 awardees include:
– Ana Isabel Espino (Teaching Excellence). A Social Studies teacher and department chairman in Odessa, Texas, recognized for her focus on equity and critical thinking;
– Everly Rose Platon (Inspiring Minds). A New York-based educator lauded for fostering curiosity, creativity and integrating mindfulness into her teaching;
– Kate Nwako (Teacher Impact). A veteran New York City (NYC) Public Schools teacher empowering students with disabilities and actively involved in community service;
– Shawn Chisty (Educational Leadership). An education leader and diversity coordinator in NYC, recognized for transforming institutions;
– Arnold Libayo (Innovative Teaching). Honored for over two decades of groundbreaking mathematics education in both the Philippines and NYC;
– Jocelyn de los Santos (Community Engagement). A preschool teacher dedicated to nurturing learning environments and fostering community partnerships;
– Arwin Alitagtag (Dedicated Service). A high school mathematics teacher in Salt Lake City, Utah, committed to fostering a strong college-going culture;
– Nadia Jackson Henry (Inclusive Teaching). A math and special education teacher in NYC, championing diversity, equity and social justice;
– Bernadeth Peña (Peace Award-Pre-K & Elementary Educator Achieving Child Excellence). Recognized for 25 years in early childhood and elementary education in the Philippines and US;
– Joel Dogelio (Pride Award-Pre-K & Elementary Recognizing Innovative Dedication to Excellence). An early childhood educator in the Bronx known for his innovative and excellence-driven approach.
Cultural Heritage Awards
Likewise, five Filipino-American leaders and one organization received Cultural Heritage Awards for their exceptional contributions to preserving and promoting cultural identity:
– Elton Lugay (Gawad Bandila Dangal ng Lahi-Pride of the Nation Award). A Filipino-American journalist and community leader, founder of The Outstanding Filipinos in America (TOFA);
– Cristina Pastor (Yaman ng Lahi Award-Treasure of the People Award). Founding editor of TheFilAm.net and co-host of Makilala TV, dedicated to enriching Filipino cultural identity;
– Francisco Sy, MD, MS, DrPH (Gawad Tanglaw-Beacon of Light Award). A distinguished professor of environmental and global health, recognized for visionary leadership in public health;
– Maureen Johnson (Gawad Lingkod Bayani-Servant Hero Award). Deputy senior director at Friends of Crown Heights Educational Centers, honored for selfless service in early childhood education;
– Judilyn Cañete (Gawad Makabayang Kababaihan-Patriotic Women’s Award). Founder of MedStar Billing Technology and Resources, recognized for empowering women and pioneering health care training;
– Talisay Association, USA (Tausa), led by president Manuel Balazon (Gawad Bayanihan-Spirit of Solidarity Award). Honored for embodying communal unity and cooperation within the Filipino-American community and in the Philippines.
Jocelyn de los Santos, a Filipino-American community leader in NYC and one of the awardees, said the awards serve as a “driving force to amplify the dedication and work that each educator is doing in the community, whether inside or outside the classroom.”
IAM FAME is a US-based organization whose mission is to address the needs of the Filipino-American community and educators advocating for multicultural education.
