January 1, 2023
Emmanuel Aquino ’13 received a 2022 Educator of the Year award for grades 6–8 from OnPoint Community Credit Union. He attributes his success to his time at UP and the School of Education.
Photo by Madison Blake '13
EMMANUEL AQUINO ’13 received a 2022 Educator of the Year award for grades 6–8 from OnPoint Community Credit Union. He attributes his success to his time at UP and the School of Education. A bilingual educator, Aquino teaches 8th grade language arts and social studies in Spanish and English, with about half of his students being English language learners. At Beaumont Middle School in Northeast Portland, he creates his own curriculum and translates his lessons. In the summer, he participates in planning institutes with other dual language teachers in PPS to align and develop his curriculum.
Aquino’s quiet nature, combined with high expectations, allows him to forge strong relationships with students and families. As many families struggled with food shortages during the pandemic, Aquino delivered boxes of groceries to students who didn’t have transportation. He works hard to communicate with parents, involving them in their child’s academic journey. When he identifies a struggling student, he works with his colleagues to develop a plan to help meet that student’s specific needs and also tutors them outside of school hours.
Part of his success in the classroom comes back to his goal of making his curriculum relevant to his students. He proactively answers the common question, “Why do I need to know this?” and consistently checks in with his students to ensure they are connecting with the material. Gaining his students’ perspective and feedback influences his teaching approach and provides him with an understanding of what each of his students needs to be successful.
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5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
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