The Presidential Award is an incredible honor. To me, this award is the gold-standard of recognition for an educator’s hard work and passion for their profession. It is a privilege to be part of such a distinguished group of educators who share the same passion and who continue to engage and inspire our students, regardless of the challenges they face each day. The Presidential Award affirms I am making a difference and my teaching has a ripple effect that makes a difference in the world.

Wendie Flores Yigo, GU | 7-12, Mathematics, 2021

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

Wendie Flores has been an educator for 26 years at Simon A. Sanchez High School. She started her career as a school aide in 1998, as she worked to obtain her teaching credentials. In 2005, Wendie began teaching mathematics to students with exceptional needs for 10 years, but later moved into the school’s Freshman Academy, where she has taught algebra for the past nine years. Although her cache of instructional strategies is constantly evolving, Wendie employs three main strategies in her classroom to keep students engaged. The first, kinesthetics, allows students to do fun physical tasks that help them memorize the concepts being taught. Secondly, Wendie gives students the opportunity to make connections between their learning in the classroom and life in their community through real-world activities and by inviting speakers from local businesses. Lastly, Wendie facilitates the use of “tech tools”, such as smart boards and a class set of student laptops, to integrate technology into lessons and to increase student interest in learning. Wendie serves as a school-based mentor for newer faculty members, advises various student organizations, and has served as a co-chair during Simon Sanchez High School’s most recent accreditation cycle. Wendie frequently facilitates school- and district-level professional developments. She also co-authored the Guam Department of Education student advocate mentorship program. Wendie earned a B.A., magna cum laude, in special education from the University of Guam and an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction, with a specialization in mathematics education, from the University of Phoenix. She is certified as a Master Educator for grades K-12 for special education and mathematics for grades 6-12.

Know a great teacher like Wendie Flores? Nominate them for PAEMST!