Elementary STEM teacher Janine Hidalgo of San Juan, Puerto Rico, garnered a coveted PAEMST in 2020. Photo credit: University of Puerto Rico
There are many talented educators who have earned recognition for their work in the classroom. One of these is Janine Hidalgo, an elementary school teacher from Puerto Rico. She garnered a coveted PAEMST in 2020.
The PAEMST, Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, recognize the dedication, hard work, and importance that America’s teachers play in supporting learners who will become future STEM professionals, including computer technologists, climate scientists, mathematicians, innovators, space explorers, and engineers. The PAEMST program, founded in 1983, is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The honor comes with a $10,000 cash prize.
Janine teaches at Academia San Ignacio de Loyola in San Juan. In a career that has spanned over 20 years, she has spent the last six of them teaching fifth and sixth grade science. She has a reputation for being a compassionate and responsive teacher with excellent skills in classroom management, behavior modification, and individualized support. In her classroom, she works with students at all skill levels to promote learning and boost educational success.
The honored educator encourages her students to develop student-led and community-based projects. And these projects have been quite successful. In 2013, Janine founded her school’s first Robotics Team. Under her leadership, the team won the First Lego League (FLL) first place prize in both the 2013-2014 and in 2015-2016 competitions. In the Puerto Rico Championships in 2014-2015, her team captured the Programming Award. And then her school’s team became Puerto Rico’s delegation at the FLL North American Open Champion at Legoland, CA. In 2017-2020, Janine incorporated expanded learning opportunities for her students when she integrated the VEX IQ Robotics platform. In 2019, Janine coordinated the school’s first trip to Space Camp in Alabama. During the trip, her students won the Right Stuff Award and obtained one for the highest average scores on missions and engineering challenges.
Through all of these experiences, Janine’s students have developed a well-rounded scientific mind and see the value of teamwork. To recognize her expert leadership and her dedication, Janine was recognized as a distinguished Robotics Coach by FLL of Puerto Rico in 2020.
Janine earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Puerto Rico. She is a certified elementary and STEM school teacher.