It is a great privilege and honor to receive this prestigious award because it validates all the time and effort that I devote to teaching my kids. I am passionate about science and teaching and have been fortunate to be surrounded by people who inspire and motivate me through their service and example. I am also grateful that a former PAEMST winner nominated me due to her role as my Science Department Director and her support in reviewing my lesson plans.

Aisha Vázquez Caguas, PR | K-6, Science, 2022

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

Aisha Vázquez has been an educator for 25 years and has spent the last year teaching fifth grade mathematics and science at Pedro Millán Rivera Elementary School. She previously spent six years teaching third and fourth grade science at Notre Dame Catholic School. Previously, she taught at the Baptist Academy and Querubí School. Aisha’s love of teaching goes beyond the classroom. She participates in the Alliance of Science and Mathematics of the University of Turabo. The project consists of keeping teachers updated on the strategies and evaluations for these subjects. Aisha incorporates VEX Robotics into her science curriculum and has been working to build a frog's life cycle. Students also have the opportunity to build a robot throughout the semester in a way that incorporates STEAM topics. Aisha also likes to integrate parents and/or other professionals to provide the students with lectures, demonstrations, and talks. She, together with the non-profit entity called “Para La Naturaleza” and the Natural Resources Agency of Puerto Rico, carried out an activity that involves the entire family of the student and is called "Helping Our Home". Each student obtains a tree and must plant it in a suitable place chosen by the family. Family unity and the care of our planet are promoted, which in turn helps created better citizens. Aisha earned a bachelor's degree in education, a master's degree in educational administration, and another in curriculum and in technology at Ana G. Méndez University. She also obtained a certification in autism and is certified in robotics. She is a certified elementary school teacher.

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