Pinay among best teachers in New York

MANILA, Philippines - A Filipina has been named one of New York City’s best teachers.

Marietta Geraldino, geometry teacher in 10th and 11th grades at the Fredrick Douglas Academy II in Manhattan, was one of the 11 teachers who received the “Big Apple Award” last June 12.

On its website, the NYC education department said the award was meant to recognize the top teachers in public schools across the city.

“Marietta is able to deconstruct the most complex mathematical concepts and make them palpable to even the most resistant students,” the website quoted Geraldino’s principal as saying.

Geraldino has been teaching for 24 years – nine in New York and 15 years in the Philippines.

“During her 24 years of teaching, she has constantly searched for ways to grow as an educator and seeks out professional development opportunities to improve her practice,” the website added.

Geraldino was chosen from the more than 2,000 nominees submitted by students, teachers, schools and families.

Aside from the Big Apple trophy, the winners received $3,500 each and classroom grants. They were also named Big Apple ambassadors for school year 2013-2014.