Esther Alvarez-Meléndez San Juan, PR | K-6, Science, 2014

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

Esther Alvarez-Meléndez has been an educator since 2003, teaching a variety of subjects to a wide array of learners — currently ranging from kindergarten to fourth grade students at Academia San Ignacio de Loyola. The one thing that has remained constant in her career is her love for teaching science. As a strong supporter of open collaborative work and supportive relationships with students, Esther involves her students in team-building STEM labs, encourages problem-solving discussions, and engages students in school garden projects. Her professional interests focus on technology curriculum and space science workshops. Her current plans involve the recovery of the school garden and the production of crops in a hydroponic project. In addition, she serves as school event coordinator for a variety of activities, including the Science Fair. Esther received a B.A., cum laude, in communication from the University of Sagrado Corazón, Puerto Rico, and is currently completing a master's in early childhood education. She is certified to teach science in elementary grades.

• High-resolution version of the official portrait photograph
• Awardee holding Presidential certificate between Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director, Dr. John P. Holdren, and Assistant Director, Directorate for Education and Human Resources, National Science Foundation, Dr. Joan Ferrini-Mundy.
• High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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