Dr. Roy Biñas Basa of Zuni, New Mexico, has been named his state’s 2024 Teacher of the Year. Photo Credit: New Mexico Public Education Department

I always enjoy sharing the story of an exceptional educator who has earned accolades for their work in the classroom. One of these is Dr. Roy Biñas Basa, a STEM teacher from Zuni, New Mexico.

Roy teaches natural science and career and technical courses to high school students in grades nine through twelve at both Twin Buttes Cyber Academy and Zuni High School.

Most of Roy’s curriculum involves project-based activities, such as making fatty acid methyl esters from selected plant seeds as an alternative biofuel. That project garnered the 2022 New Mexico Governor’s STEM Challenge. Roy’s students also make motors and generators, solar panels, simple robots, and windmills.

Roy earned his Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a major in General Science; his Master’s degree in Education with a major in School Administration and Supervision; and his PhD in Educational Management. He earned all of his degrees at the University of Negros Occidental, Recoletos. While studying there, Roy’s academic excellence was recognized with awards such as High Academic Distinction and Outstanding in Dissertation. While still engaged in ongoing studies for his Master’s of Education in Special Education at Western Colleges, he also earned a Master’s of Education in Natural Science from the University of St. La Salle. He has also obtained Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) certification, an International Teaching License, and successful completion of the Licensure Examination for Teachers in the Philippines. He has also authored a number of books. To view a list of his books click on this link to roybasa.com.

Roy is a dedicated educator who has made significant contributions to the field, being recognized with numerous awards and honors from local, regional, national and international organizations. His pedagogical priorities revolve around fostering an inclusive learning environment where every student’s unique needs and perspectives are valued, ensuring that high-quality education is accessible to all and empowering students to reach their full potential.

To read more about Roy Biñas Basa, click on this link to the New Mexico Department of Public Education.