Maria Vicenty San Juan, PR | 7-12, Science, 2013

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Maria Vicenty Santana has been a science educator for 21 years. She currently teaches at KIPP King Collegiate High School in San Lorenzo, CA. She previously taught at Central High School of Visual Arts in San Juan PR, at Tillicum Middle School in Bellevue, WA, and at J.D. Smith Middle School in Las Vegas, NV. Maria’s passion for science is shared with the students. The students engage in inquiry activities, field work and class debates that connect the science concepts to everyday life. During her time at Central of Visual Arts, the students designed and built a school garden that incorporates the earth science concepts in a practical and relevant manner. By creating the garden, the students develop ownership, responsibility, and love of nature. Maria facilitates the school’s science club, which provides opportunities for its members to participate in volunteering activities related to the protection of the environment, as well as developing leadership skills and awareness about the conservation of nature. In 1995, Maria received the A+ Teacher Award in Las Vegas. She was also nominated for the Manuel A. Perez Award in 2014. Maria has a B.S. in education with a concentration in biology from the University of Puerto Rico. She has a M.A. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Las Vegas, Nevada. Maria is endorsed to teach biology, general science and environmental science.

• High-resolution version of the official portrait photograph
• Awardee holding Presidential certificate between Megan Smith, U.S. Chief Technology Officer and Director of the National Science Foundation, Dr. France A. Còrdova.
• High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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