DoDEA Educators Selected as 2025 PAEMST State Finalists

Three outstanding 7-12 teachers from DoDEA schools have been chosen as state finalists for the prestigious Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) for 2025.

PAEMST is the highest honor given by the U.S. government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teaching. It recognizes exceptional educators who have significantly impacted their students' learning. PAEMST alternates recognition between K-6 and 7-12 grade teachers each year.

Congratulations to the selected DoDEA educators:  

"PAEMST recipients demonstrate outstanding content expertise and a remarkable ability to inspire and drive student achievement. We are honored to have these finalists represent DoDEA in this prestigious award," said Susan Ramsey, Headquarters instructional systems specialist (ISS) for 6-12 science.

Each finalist underwent a rigorous evaluation process, where they demonstrated excellence in each of the five Dimensions of Outstanding Teaching. Now, the DoDEA state finalists will advance to the national level of the PAEMST competition.

Nicanor Ylarde

Nicanor Ylarde teaches math at Baumholder Middle High School in Germany with over 30 years of experience, specializing in making complex concepts accessible. He has taught a range of subjects from algebra to calculus and excels in analyzing student performance.

Ylarde believes every student can succeed with the right support and strives to create a classroom where all students are encouraged to challenge themselves. Passionate about staying current with educational methodologies, he continuously improves his teaching practices through technology, differentiated instruction, and innovative strategies. In addition to teaching, Ylarde has coached volleyball and cross-country, emphasizing teamwork and perseverance, and believes that education extends beyond the classroom, with sports complementing academic learning.

Donald Anderson

Donald Anderson teaches AP Chemistry at MC Perry High School in Iwakuni, Japan. His teaching experience spans a wide range of subjects, including chemistry, physics, biology, earth science, middle school sciences, mathematics, robotics, Mandarin Chinese, and Asian studies. Anderson has developed and led numerous schoolwide and districtwide initiatives, such as an annual summer literacy camp for multilingual learners.

In addition, he coordinates and leads instruction for a non-profit organization that hosts summer STEM robotics camps for elementary, middle, and high school students in rural communities of Washington State. 

Andrea Anza

Andrea Anza teaches science at Lester Middle School in Okinawa, Japan, with 11 years of teaching experience. She has taught in international schools, public schools, and International Baccalaureate settings across Taiwan, Albania, Hungary, and the United States before joining DoDEA in 2023. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on science education and adherence to College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS).

Anza has a proven track record of collaborating with school administration, district instructional staff, and teachers to implement effective teaching strategies and best practices. Her dedication to student success is evident through her work with high-needs populations and efforts to create extension opportunities for advanced students. An active member of the National Science Teaching Association, Anza has presented at national conferences on high-quality instructional practices and student-centered learning environments.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program is administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office for Science and Technology Policy.