J1 and H1B visa teachers to be honored as ‘cultural bridges’ in diverse American classrooms

Posted: March 12th, 2026 ˑ Filled under: Education ˑ  No Comments
The outstanding teachers

The International Association of Multicultural and Filipino American Educators, Incorporated (IAM FAME INC.) is set to host a gala event shining a spotlight on the vital role Filipino educators play in the American school system.

The Cultural Exchange & Achievement Celebration will take place on March 21, 2026, in Elgin, Illinois, honoring the dedication and excellence of international teachers serving under J1 and H1b visas.

As American classrooms grow increasingly diverse, these educators have emerged as essential “cultural bridges,” bringing global perspectives to local communities and fostering an environment of mutual respect and high academic achievement.

Extraordinary leadership

This year’s event will highlight individuals whose innovative practices and heroic dedication have transformed the lives of students across the United States, the organizers said in a press statement.

Among the high-level recognition awardees:

  • The Outstanding Leadership & Excellence Award will be presented to Dr. Abner Pineda. This award recognizes a lifetime of service, groundbreaking scholarship, and his “Magnum Opus” achievement in the field of higher education.
  • The Pillar of Excellence Award will be bestowed upon Romana Veracruz Vasquez, whose visionary leadership and foundational contributions have been the cornerstone of Chicago Chapter IAM FAME INC.’s success.
  • The Tanglaw ng Lahi Award is conferred upon Dr. Roy Biñas Basa in recognition of his distinction as the 2024 New Mexico Teacher of the Year. This award honors his dedication to excellence and the immense pride he brings to the Filipino community as a world-class educator in the United States.

2026 International Teacher Awardees

Here are the 2026 award recipients and their achievements presented in statement form for the IAM FAME INC. celebration:

  • Jayson H. Hernandez is honored with the Global Educator Excellence award for his innovative teaching methods and unwavering commitment to student success.
  • The Outstanding Cultural Exchange award is presented to Marilou Delos Santos in recognition of her exceptional skill in building bridges between cultures.
  • Joy M. Ammogawen receives the Global Classroom Champion award for her dedication to championing global literacy and interconnectedness within the classroom.
  • The International Teaching Pinnacle award is bestowed upon Hasmine D. Tila for her groundbreaking international educational contributions.
  • Gerald P. Bansag is recognized as the Filipino Diaspora Educator of the Year for his transformative leadership and profound passion for teaching.
  • The Distinguished International Teacher award honors Analisa C. Ramos for her sustained excellence and significant contributions to cross-cultural education.
  • Elizabeth Laulita is presented with the Cultural Impact Teacher award for her vital work in advancing diversity, literacy, and mutual understanding.
  • The EduHero Teacher Award is given to Dr. Fructuoso O. Salao for his heroic dedication to his students and his spirit of classroom innovation.
  • Mary Ann A. Halvorson is recognized with The Ambassador of Education award for her successful efforts in bridging schools with the wider world.
  • The J1 Cultural Teacher Excellence award is presented to Jonica T. Alcantara for her outstanding contributions and excellence within the J1 Visa Exchange Program.
  • Dr. Winston B. Leal is honored with the Beacon of Leadership award for serving as a powerful and transformative light in the field of education.
  • The Global Filipino Teaching Excellence award recognizes Dainalyn T. Baliscao for her outstanding achievements and significant global pedagogical impact.
  • Maria Lourdes R. Gaddi receives the Worldwide Pedagogy Leadership award for establishing new international benchmarks in teaching and educational leadership.
  • The Global Bridging Teacher award is bestowed upon Agnes Mercado for her excellence in fostering global understanding and connecting diverse cultures.
  • Michael V. Delim is honored with the Golden Compass Award for his visionary leadership in helping students navigate the complexities of the modern world.
  • The Community Cultural Champion award recognizes Jocelyn Delos Santos for her outstanding and significant contributions to the cultural life of the community.
  • Dr. Maria Lucia Manalo is presented with Outstanding Classroom Leadership and Innovative Award for transforming the traditional classroom into a dynamic environment of discovery.
  • Dr. Ana Isabel G. Espino is presented with the award for Excellence in Inclusive Teaching & Community Leadership for her unwavering commitment to classroom equity and community empowerment.
  • Antonina Llanos is presented with the Global Educator in Innovation award for transforming the learning experience through creative pedagogy and the strategic integration of technology.
  • Christine Joy Delos Santos is honored with the Filipino International Exchange Teacher of the Year for demonstrating exceptional teaching performance, leadership, and cultural advocacy.

Excellence without borders

The theme of the event centers on the idea that education knows no boundaries. By celebrating the Filipino diaspora’s contribution to the U.S. educational landscape, IAM FAME INC. reaffirms its mission to foster an inclusive and interconnected world.

“These educators represent the heart of our mission,” an IAM FAME INC. representative stated. “They don’t just teach subjects; they build the cultural bridges necessary for the next generation of global citizens to thrive.”



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