Lee hailed as Koblerville school’s most outstanding teacher

A second grade mentor has won the vote of confidence of her colleagues and was adjudged as Koblerville Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year.

Damiana Lee, a mother of two, has been a classroom teacher since 2007 and was conferred the honor for the first time. This enables her to represent her peers in the Public School System’s search for CNMI Teacher of the Year for 2011-2012.

“It’s very overwhelming and I am very honored,” she told Saipan Tribune Friday.

Every day, the Lee attends to 16 second-graders who are her source of joy and inspiration. As with her own children, it is her goal to equip them with the basic lessons that will help them acquire a good academic foundation.

Lee said her experience with her family motivated her to become a teacher. “I come from a big family…with four brothers and five sisters. Just seeing the struggles they went through in school, it motivated me to pursue this career. …I can say they inspired me,” she said.

Lee obtained her bachelor’s degree from the Northern Marianas College, a decision supported by her family and relatives, many of whom are also in the same field.

For Lee, teaching is a commitment to make a difference in the lives of students. Knowing that all her students will bring home with them all the lessons they have learned from her and share them with their families is enough reward for her.

Lee said that, like any other fields of interest, teaching has its own challenges. But these challenges are what make her stronger and determined to accomplish her goal: to build a bright future for all her students.

Other awardees

Koblerville’s Teacher Aide of the Year this year is George Cruz. The first-time awardee has been with the school system for four years now.

“It feels great and I want to thank my colleagues and the school management for the honor. This means so much to me,” he later told Saipan Tribune, adding that it is his children who inspire him to become better every day.

Cruz is currently pursuing a degree in education so he could become a regular teacher. Despite the twin challenges of being a full-time student and an employee, Cruz is determined to finish his course next year.

Saipan Tribune learned that prior to joining PSS, Cruz was in the military from 2003 through 2006. He later joined the PSS Troops-to-Teachers Program, which helps service members earn their teaching degrees while working for the system. Cruz began working for Koblerville as a teacher aide in 2007 until his recent re-assignment as administrative assistant.

Cruz described his years of service to students as both enjoyable and memorable. “I learned so much from them and these lessons helped me to become a better person,” he added.

Marijane Villagomez was hailed the school’s Support Staff of the Year. This is her second time to receive the honor, the first time in school year 2010-2011. Villagomez joined the Umang family in November 2008 and since then, has been recognized for her hard work and dedication to her job. As a school librarian aide, she attends to the needs of hundreds of children each day.

“Being the school librarian does not limit my responsibilities. Throughout the years, I have proctored assessments, been a substitute teacher, helped coordinate extra-curricular activities, and continued my education with useful professional development workshops,” she said.

Koblerville principal Rizalina Purugganan said she is very proud of all her school staff and employees, especially the three awardees who have been working beyond expectations. She said Lee, Cruz, and Villagomez serve as role models to their students and a great inspiration to all their peers and the honor is long overdue.

“They deserve to be honored not only during Education Month when we highlight the teachers’ and students’ successes, but in each day they share their lives with our children,” she said.

Koblerville school is home to 430 students and 21 teachers.