Ngirablosch is SAES’ outstanding educator

A 10-year educator and mother of one was hailed San Antonio Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year after demonstrating excellence in her craft.

Leora Ngirablosch, a first-time awardee, is a kindergarten classroom teacher for the past eight years. She joined the Octopus family in 2001 as a teacher aide.

After obtaining a degree at Northern Marianas College, Ngirablosch rose from the ranks and joined the classroom teachers’ pool.

“It feels really good and this is unexpected,” she said.

But more than the recognition and awards, the Teacher of the Year described her everyday dealing with her students as the most “rewarding” part of her job.

“I am a mother of one child plus 32 kindergarteners everyday. I go to the bathroom with them, I changed their clothes, I feed them, I play with them. There’s no dull moment when I am with my students and they are a great inspiration. In kindergarten, we never get bored. There’s no other grade level that you could sing all day, color all day, play ukulele all day, and count and chat all day,” she said.

Ngirablosch said it was an honor to be selected by her peers using standard criteria. SAES is home to 322 students and 15 classroom teachers.

Ngirablosch said it is her goal to see the school continue to succeed by bringing out the potential in its students.

“We build the people of tomorrow. It’s not just serving yourself and getting your paycheck. We’re building the leaders of our nation. Teaching is also a way of giving back to our community,” she said.

SAES, meanwhile, bestowed the Teacher Aide of the Year award to Nolyn Villagomez, who has been serving PSS for eighth years now. Prior to joining SAES, she served in Garapan Elementary School and Kagman Elementary School as teacher aide.

This year marked her second time to receive the recognition the first was in school year 2010-2011.

She told Saipan Tribune that it was her five children who motivated her to become an educator.

“I was with my children on the very first day they stepped in to the school. I always wanted to be where they are and that’s what motivated me. Now, it’s not only about my own children…but all my students,” she shared.

Villagomez is assigned at the special education program and she’s dealing with children with severe disabilities. Each day, she plays mother to 17 special children.

“I love my job and I enjoy doing it every day. The most enjoyable part of my work? It’s getting to know each of my students and seeing them progressing. That’s very rewarding for me,” she said.

Villagomez expressed her deep gratitude to her peers for making her work easy every day and for appreciating her hard work.

Erlinda Alomia, the school’s general helper, was named the school’s Support Staff of the Year. The 57-year-old employee has been with SAES since 1990.

Alomia described SAES as her second home and its employees and students—as true members of her family.

Saipan Tribune learned that this is Alomia’s third time to receive the recognition and was once hailed for the overall title in 2003.

“I am very proud and very happy that throughout these years, they continue to recognize me. I never expected this but like the first time, this is truly memorable,” she said. Alomia is a mother to four children.

SAES principal James Sablan described the three awardees as deserving individuals. The administrator, who just moved to SAES this school year, admitted that Ngirablosch, Villagomez, and Alomia have greatly helped him to familiarize with the school’s operation.

Sablan said the three were selected by their colleagues using the rubrics and standards set for each award category.

The principal said education day is a celebration not only to recognize the teachers and employees of the schools, but the stakeholders of education in general. Parents and the community, he said, also play important roles in the success of student learning.

“We look at Education Day not only to recognize teachers and staff but also the parents. It is a celebration for the entire community working toward one goal which is education for our students,” added Sablan.