Loreta Mapu Atonio

Pago Pago, AS | K-6, Mathematics, 2022

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

Awarded PAEMST in 2022, I strongly believe that STEM education equips children with the knowledge to decipher the world and actively participate in crafting its future. I’ve witnessed the doors an education in mathematics and science can open in cultivating inquisitiveness and building confidence, not just in classrooms, but throughout life. Empowering students to envision themselves as critical thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators, primarily drives in Engaging, inspiring and empowering.

What has been the most transformative moment that affirmed your impact on STEM education?

Hearing one of my former students—who is now pursuing a degree in engineering—describe to me how “math made sense for the first time” certainly affirmed my impact in STEM education. Her experience is a vivid reminder that teaching STEM is not solely focused on numbers or lab activities. Winning a PAEMST award helped me anchor that affirmation further. Hearing that “the award was designated to me for the power of purposefully inclusive, inquiry-based teaching” was exceptionally powerful. It put into perspective how intentional every lesson, question, or opportunity we create for students truly is. That shift remains a profound area of focus that I aspire to deepen in STEM education.

Using your platform as a Presidential Awardee, how do you hope to advance our nation in STEM?

As a PAEMST 2022 Awardee, I see this platform as a powerful opportunity to amplify teacher voice, elevate equitable STEM practices, and inspire the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and problem-solvers. Advocating for equitable access to quality STEM education, resources, and professional development. Mentoring and empowering educators will inspire students to become curious, confident, and creative thinkers who are prepared not just to learn about the world, but to improve it through STEM.

Biography

Throughout my teaching career, I have consistently worked to bring innovation into my teaching and professional practice. I have held professional development sessions for teachers in various subjects. These sessions focused on engaging strategies in math and science, using formative assessments, and encouraging student-led learning. As a member of our school’s Professional Learning Community (PLC) team, I collaborate with colleagues to review data, share best practices, and create instructional interventions that improve student outcomes. I also include hands-on, real-world STEM challenges in the classroom to promote critical thinking and problem-solving. My participation in the ASCD Conference in Texas helped me learn new strategies that I’ve shared with my colleagues and tailored to fit our local context in American Samoa. I have taught at Fagali'i Elementary School for seven years, during which I gained a deep understanding of the needs of students and families in our community. Before that, I worked in other public schools in American Samoa, giving me a broad perspective across different learning settings. These experiences have shaped my belief in equity, innovation, and culturally responsive STEM education. My classroom is a place where students can explore ideas, take risks, and build confidence in their ability to succeed in math and science. Alongside my classroom work, I’ve been part of several initiatives and received recognition for my contributions to STEM education. I have led after-school enrichment programs in math and science. I was honored to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) in 2022. This award reflects my commitment to improving high-quality, inclusive STEM instruction.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

The views expressed in awardee profiles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of NSF or the PAEMST program.