FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2023
Contact: Dominique Frascoia
ACTE Announces DC STEM Teacher as National Award Finalist
ALEXANDRIA, VA—Today, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Aris Pangilinan, STEM Teacher at DC Public Schools in Washington, District of Columbia, as the 2023 ACTE Region I Teacher of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) teachers at the middle/secondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.
Now in his 28th year of teaching, Aris Pangilinan, also known as Mr. P, teaches AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science P, Project Lead The Way & Amazon Future Engineer Hon Computer Science and Cybersecurity. Previously, he taught AP Calculus AB, AP Statistics, PLTW Engineering, college algebra, testing, statistical research, and a variety of pedagogical courses in the College of Education. He was a class valedictorian and has a B.S., cum – laude, in mathematics and MA in Educational Management with Measurement, Evaluation, & Testing. He served as a college instructor, department head, STEM Director, STEM instructional coach, after-school & testing coordinator, master scheduler, and a coach for Math Olympiad and Battle of the Brains.
For his efforts to improve equitable academic access for all students regardless of their background, Mr. P has won several local, national, and global awards, including the U.S. Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics & Science Teaching (including Computer Science) awarded by the National Science Foundation & Pres. Obama, DCPS’ Washington Post Teacher of the Year, and Global Teacher Prize, The Nobel Prize of Teaching. In 2021, he was named the Amazon Future Engineer National Teacher of the Year and a Pivotal Educator Fellow @ Georgetown University.
His personal motto: “A man is loved not for how tall he stands, but for often he bends to teach, support, and comfort.” His teaching motto is “1 happy teacher = 100 happy students.” He initiates and advises a variety of student – centered initiatives like the National Honor Society, Advanced Placement Club, Robotics Club, and CTSO – TSA while empowering his students not just in academics but also in leadership and community service.
Mr. P specializes in both content and pedagogy in all areas of STEM and a variety of CTE pathways. He is a teacher by education, training, and profession.
Pangilinan is one of five finalists for the 2024 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on November 29, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, Goodheart-Willcox, The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.
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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.
