By Molly Ann Howell
Managing Editor
Each month of the school year, the Sun recognizes a local teacher for his or her determination to help students go above and beyond. Anyone can nominate a teacher by emailing the managing editor at molly@gallupsunweekly.com and providing the teacher’s name, where they teach, and why they should be selected as that month’s winner.
April’s award honored Remar Ningas, a sixth grade science teacher at Twin Lakes Elementary.
Although this is Ningas’ first year at Twin Lakes, he brings a wealth of international experience to the classroom. He participates in the J-1 Visa program, which invites primary and secondary teachers to work in the U.S. for up to five years. Once the program concludes, these educators return to the Philippines to share their insights regarding the U.S. education system with their local communities.
Ningas’ journey in the Gallup-McKinley County Schools district actually began in 2019 at Navajo Middle School. While he returned to the Philippines in 2023 following his initial visa expiration, his passion for the area brought him back. After securing a new J-1 visa, he applied for his current position at Twin Lakes Elementary.
For the first time, GMCS has placed sixth graders in elementary schools district-wide. Twin Lakes Elementary Principal Elena Go explained that the district implemented this change to better prepare sixth graders for the looming challenges of middle school. Consequently, Go felt Ningas’ extensive middle school background made him the perfect fit for her campus during this transition.
When discussing his motivation for entering the profession, Ningas noted the profound impact educators have on their pupils.
“I’ve always been the type of person who was fascinated with how teachers change lives,” he said. “I wanted to be a part of the journey for our younger generation to help them be inspired and believe in themselves.”
Beyond basic instruction, Ningas finds his greatest reward in witnessing the «lightbulb moment» for his students.
“What I love most about teaching is primarily seeing growth,” he said. “[I love] when students go from doubting themselves to finally believing they can succeed from my guidance as a teacher.”
Of course, the path hasn’t always been easy. Ningas acknowledged that teaching in a foreign country presents unique hurdles. He noted that international teachers must prioritize adaptability and resilience to succeed in a new environment
Nevertheless, his advice to fellow international educators remains encouraging: If they have the heart for the work, he said they should definitely take the leap and teach in the U.S.
To nominate a teacher for the Teacher of the Month award, email molly@gallupsunweekly.com and provide the name of the nominated teacher, what school they teach at, what grade or course they teach, and explain why they deserve the award.
