The Presidential Award is a very prestigious award for any teacher that has the experience and the commitment to dedicating his or her time to help their students to improve and succeed. It would be an honor for any teacher that receives this award, as he or she will be considered to be a role model and a good leader in science and mathematics. This is bestowed to only the best teachers who are committed to making a difference in their students’ lives.

Loreta Mapu Atonio Pago Pago, AS | K-6, Mathematics, 2022

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

Loreta Mapu Atonio has taught in the classroom for 22 years. She has taught mathematics for the past 21 years at Fagalii Elementary School. Loreta is currently the Mathematics Co-Chairman at her school and monitors all kindergarten through eighth grade mathematics teachers using formative and summative assessments. Loreta has conducted professional development for the IXL program, a mathematics and language arts practice website, and uses strategies that will help students gain understanding about mathematical concepts. Loreta has been one of the facilitators and a mentor for mathematics for the last 12 years, providing support for her colleagues. She believes that mathematics provides students with problem solving skills, analytical reasoning, and the power to implement their knowledge of STEAM. She conducted Curriculum Night with parents. Loreta provides strategies that will help parents gain understanding about the mathematical skills that their children are learning in the classroom. Using technology in the classroom is her way of teaching. She has integrated programs such as the Acellus and the IXL to help her students improve in mathematics. Loreta has a B.A. in education from the University of Hawaii Manoa and an A.A. in liberal arts from American Samoa Community College. She is working towards earning a master's degree in leadership in education. She received a certificate of completion for the Acellus Program from the "International Academy of Science" and a certificate of excellence in IXL.

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