[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 88 (Friday, May 20, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MICHELLE DE GUZMAN ON RECEIVING A 
 PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE TEACHING

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. MICHAEL F.Q. SAN NICOLAS

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 20, 2022

  Mr. SAN NICOLAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and 
congratulate Michelle De Guzman on being selected as a recipient of the 
Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching 
(PAEMST). Michelle is an exceptional teacher whose dedication to our 
youth and commitment to our education system have and continue to shape 
the future of our island, inspire others, and make a difference in her 
field, our community, and the world.
  Administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the 
White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the PAEMST are the 
highest honors awarded specifically to K-12 STEM teachers by the United 
States Government. With evaluation on numerous criteria, such as deep 
content knowledge, pedagogical skills, student assessment expertise, 
reflective teaching, and leadership approaches for improved student 
learning, awardees undergo an extensive nomination and selection 
process that highlights excellence in its fullest definition. As this 
year's recipient for the collective U.S. Territories, Michelle joins 
101 other educators from across the Nation as new additions to the 
PAEMST cohort--a group recognized since 1983 for consistently going 
above and beyond to make an impact in their classrooms, in students' 
lives, and in their larger profession.
  Although Michelle's post high school plans did not initially involve 
teaching, her passion for education was undeniable. Raised by a family 
of educators and inspired by the very teachers and mentors that guided 
her along her personal journey of success, Michelle navigated a path 
all her own to impart the value of learning, excitement of discovery, 
and power of confidence to her students, Michelle earned a bachelor's 
degree in elementary education at the University of Guam then went on 
to graduate with distinction from Liberty University in 2013 with a 
master's in teaching and learning. She further obtained certification 
as a K-5 elementary Master Educator and professional endorsement in 
music for grades 6-12. In answering the call to uplift the next 
generation of decisionmakers and dreamers, Michelle has dedicated over 
13 years to the Guam Department of Education as an Instructional Coach 
and teacher at the Liguan, Juan M, Guerrero, and Upi Elementary 
Schools. Moreover, she has worked with PBS Guam as the literacy 
kindergarten teacher, developing education videos for public 
broadcasting.
  Over the course of her career, Michelle has made it a point to ensure 
she does not cultivate success in her classroom alone. Rather, she 
strives to be a catalyst for widespread achievement through numerous 
other community roles as well. In addition to serving as a STEM/NGSS 
teacher representative on her school's curriculum and instruction 
leadership team, grade level chairperson, and participant in the GDOE 
Technology Standards and Enhancing Education through Technology 
projects, Michelle has also assumed critical positions as part of the 
standards-based grading cadre, family and community engagement 
committees, and assistant coordinator in school-level science fairs. 
With recognitions such as a Sylvan's Favorite Teacher Award, Superhero 
Award presented by the GDOE Superintendent and Guam Education Board 
Chairman, selection as a finalist for the 2021 Guam Teacher of the Year 
Award, and two Teacher Wish List Grants, Michelle's countless accolades 
offer only a glimpse of her outstanding character and contributions.
  On behalf of the People of Guam, I would like to extend a sincere 
congratulations to Michelle De Guzman. Her personal undertaking to 
elevate research, innovation, and discovery through music and movement 
uniquely push the boundaries of creativity in the classroom, leave a 
lasting impression on the lives of our youth, and redefine the 
educational standards of our nation. Her ingenuity and determination 
foster new hope in the future we can realize through impassioned 
service, and I wish her the best on the rest of her professional 
journey.

                          ____________________