Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I never imagined I’d go from being a high school guidance counselor in the Philippines to teaching in the US. It all started in 2004 when the NYC Board of Ed recruited teachers in my country. I was offered a position teaching elementary special education and now I’m excited to be implementing a computer science/STEM program for young students.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I remember one visit vividly. A former student, who'd excelled at our school, came by. He'd gone on to NYU, earned a degree in computer engineering on a scholarship, and is now working at Chase Bank. He told me, "Mr. V, the most beautiful experience I had was learning guitar in your after-school class." It was such a powerful moment, a reminder of the importance of those creative outlets we offer.

What would you do with the $25,000?

The $25,000 grand prize represents an incredible opportunity. I envision using a portion of it to immerse myself in wildlife photography, focusing on the impact of climate change. This experience would be invaluable in establishing an after-school program where my students can learn the art of visual storytelling, capturing images and creating narratives that shed light on environmental challenges.