IAM FAME, Inc. to Honor Outstanding Educators and Community Leaders at National Assembly 2026 in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS, NV — The International Association of Multicultural & Filipino-American Educators, Inc. (IAM FAME, Inc.) is set to hold its landmark National Assembly of Leaders and Educators 2026 on Saturday, November 28, 2026, at Ballroom Centennial A inside the Santa Fe Station Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Guided by the theme, “Leading with Legacy: Building Stronger Educators, Empowering Communities, and Advancing Inclusive Education Together,” the one-day gathering is sponsored by the IAM FAME Central Chapter and Las Vegas Chapter, uniting teachers, school leaders, and advocates from across the nation. The program commences from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM with an interactive Leadership Summit and collaborative team-building sessions centered on professional growth and cultural celebrations. The assembly then culminates with the Legacy Awards Ceremony from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, dedicated to honoring educators whose instructional excellence, mentorship, and civic contributions continue to transform diverse learning communities.
A major highlight of the celebration will be the live unveiling of the assembly’s highest honors during the gala night: the coveted Golden Apple Legacy Award in Teaching, the Silver Apple Legacy Award in Teaching, and the Crystal Apple Legacy Award in Teaching. These top distinctions will recognize the most outstanding educators chosen from among the distinguished roster of finalists for their extraordinary pedagogy, leadership, and transformative educational impact.
Among the screened honorees recognized for exceptional discipline-specific achievements are Science awardees Mark Vincent S. Walag (High School), Dr. Giselle S. David (Middle School), and Dr. Elvin V. Bejerano (Elementary Level). Early childhood educators earning recognition include Jacklyn B. Tuazon for Foundational Literacy & Discovery, Pearl Lorie Grail A. Balbalin for Play-Based Learning, Arlene M. Bejerano for Social-Emotional Cultivator, Marilyn M. Suarez for Family & Community Bridgebuilder, Randy D. Tungpalan for Early Childhood & Kindergarten Education, and Precila M. Albania for Creativity and Innovation. In Teacher Leadership & Mentorship, honors are awarded to Dr. Ma. Donata D. Radaza for Empowering Educators & Building Leaders, Mary Joy V. Nalda for Student Growth & Impact, and Mairi Nunag for Community Partnerships & Collaborative Impact.
The STEM disciplines celebrate Evelyn E. Juntilo and Christian Dick B. Cunag for general STEM teaching, alongside Dr. Patrick M. Salinas and Charlene S. Bernal for STEM Mathematics. Language and literacy achievements are recognized through Dr. Desirie Joy E. Laureta (Literacy & Language Pedagogy), Levi C. Hedderman (Multilingual & Inclusive Literacy), Bernadette A. Layosa (Reading, Speaking, and Writing), and Julita S. Bacarra (Historical and Civics Literacy). For groundbreaking pedagogy and technology integration, Innovative Teaching honors go to Roderick B. Bargamento for Lifetime Impact in Digital Leadership, Romel I. Revesencio as Pioneer in Emerging Pedagogy, Christie Rose O. Suson for Creative Technology Integration, and Dr. Aris A. Bantoc for Research and Innovation.
In the elementary and primary tiers, awards are conferred upon Dr. Hydie M. De Guzman (Upper Elementary), Rosemera S. Aquino (Middle Childhood), Dr. Grace A. Tumamak (Primary Level), and elementary educators Ryan M. Reyes (Foundational Academic Mastery), Genalyn V. Bacerdo (Whole-Child & Classroom Culture Champion), Ma Theresa Labis (Catalyst for Wonder & Innovative Pedagogy), Mary Antonnette B. Guzon (School-Community Bridge & Family Alliance), and Allan Rogelio M. Sobrevilla Jr. (Student Mentorship). Inclusive classroom leaders include Dr. Fructuoso O. Salao (Differentiated Instructional Leadership), Dr. Edeliza O. Shinbaum (Collaborative Co-Teaching & Advocacy), Mylene U. Espinosa (Institutional Impact & Mentorship), Jenelyn L. Paguyo (Instruction & Engagement), and Gina E. Viernes (Innovation in Inclusion).
Special education champions recognized for exceptional dedication include Dr. Cherry Anne Biaco (Inclusive Instructional Design), Janice S. Armas (Multidisciplinary Synergy & IEP Leadership), Josephine V. Ramiso (Outstanding Co-Teacher & Inclusion Leader), Annabelle C. Dacua (Exceptional Advocacy & Family Partnership), Hazel C. Respicio (Life Skills & Transition Leadership), Prince Malic L. Abanto Jr. (Compassion & Crisis Intervention), Rhiana Mae M. Elimanco (Data-Driven Intervention & Student Growth), Shaira D. Mangawang (Assistive Technology & Digital Inclusion), Tyrish A. Unger (Positive Behavior Support – PBIS), Marciana Gabutan (Social-Emotional Learning & Behavioral Empathy), and Mary Anne Garcia (Global Citizenship & Cultural Arts). In Multicultural Education, honors go to Ken Brian C. Alegado (Community Partnership & Cultural Bridge-Building), Rahnee de Leon Candaza (Classroom Innovation & Cultural Empowerment), and Gomer M. Suson (Culturally Responsive Educational Approach).
Rounding out the subject-area categories, secondary and middle school honors go to Freddly F. Asuer (Secondary ELA), Chriselle Hope P. Ladignon (Secondary Science), Flordeliza G. Culibrina II (Middle School STEM), Heidy Y. Aranas (Middle School Social Studies), Blesilda C. Cardoza (Middle School SPED), Dr. Nora S. Aquino (Middle School Science), and Dr. Jessica Castaneda (Middle School ELA). Comprehensive teaching and community impact honors will be presented to Dr. Luis Rile Jr. for Legacy of Excellence in Teaching, Jeynalyn M. Pascua for Championing Students, Dr. Gerald Paolo L. Patrimonio for Inspiring Lifelong Learning, Marjorie L. Calar for Building Community Partnerships, Mary Mendjill Cecilia J. Romero for Creating Lasting Community Impact, Carla Mae Santos Schackow for Championing Service & Advocacy, and Chola Eleazar-De Torres for Advancing Equity & Opportunity. Together, these dedicated educators represent a vital legacy of excellence, equity, and service across classrooms and multicultural communities nationwide.