Shateen Serana, a teacher at Tuan Datu Abdullah Memorial High School, was celebrated on December 1 as one of the most pioneering educators in the world, as part of Microsoft Corp.’s annual Global Forum Educator Awards. Microsoft announced 21 winners, narrowed down from more than 250,000 teachers registered across national and regional forums throughout the year.
“Microsoft Philippines is committed to empowering the schools and their communities through our Partners in Learning program,” said Clarissa Segismundo, Education Programs Lead, Microsoft Philippines. “We believe that technology is not only a tool that can help educate young minds but an instrument that can help improve, strengthen and enhance the learning experience of both teachers and students.”
Serana participated in the Collaboration category for a project on mangrove reforestation, which was designed and organized by her students. They learned this through seminar sessions held by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). They then passed this on to the community and local government units to implement the reforestation project.
“I feel very honored to represent the country in Microsoft’s global competition in Prague Castle,” said Serana. “Microsoft’s ITLA program has helped me develop a whole new approach to teaching and I was able to help more people than I thought I could. I really hope I win so that I can show my community that anyone, no matter who you are or what you do, can help create significant change for the benefit of your community.”
Teachers were acknowledged across six categories: Extended Learning Beyond the Classroom, Collaboration, Knowledge Building and Critical Thinking, Cutting-Edge Use of Technology for Learning, Educator as Innovator and Change Agent, and Educators’ Choice. For more information on the winners, please visit http://www.microsoft.com.