The Presidential Award means a dream come true for me. It's the achievement of a goal established three years ago when I got the Excellence Teacher Award representing my school district. It's the victory of my biggest challenge. It's the recognition of work well done for the benefit of my students. It also means the satisfaction that my students cooperated in this educational project with an excellent attitude. It's the reward of many years of hard work.
Sylvette Velez Garcia has taught mathematics at Medardo Carazo High School for the past 6 years. She has been a teacher for 34 years and has led the Mathematics Department for 5 years. She is the Grade 11 Team Leader.
With enthusiasm, Sylvette teaches five groups of mathematics daily and serves as a mentor for teachers in the high school's district. Sylvette also provides tutoring online for students in grade 11 for 2 hours daily and serves as a resource for teachers in professional development training.
Sylvette is distinguished by her application of innovative teaching strategies using high technology in her dynamic classes, where students have fun learning. She stimulates her students to learn, to be responsible, to seek extra help after school, and to love mathematics. She teaches the importance of daily attendance to her classes.
Sylvette has been awarded Teacher of the Year six times. She has also been recognized by the Trujillo Alto Major and others.
Sylvette has a B.A. in Physical Education from the University of Puerto Rico and an M.A. in Education from Phoenix University with two majors, School Administration and Mathematics. She is a certified high school teacher.
- High-resolution version of the official portrait photograph
- Awardee holding Presidential citation between the Director of the National Science Foundation, Dr. Subra Suresh and the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Dr. John P. Holdren
- High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph
