This honor, given annually since 1961, identifies a teacher from each of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, other U.S. Territories, and Canada who have made invaluable contributions to the profession and have enhanced the learning of biology to their students. Criteria for the award include teaching ability, experience, innovation, initiative, positive student-teacher interactions, and cooperativeness in the school and community.

Upegui is a biology and anatomy teacher at his own alma mater, Central Falls High School, as well as a lecturer in education for Brown University. He recently received his Ph.D. from the University of Rhode Island and has other degrees from Rhode Island College. Upegui’s teaching career spans over 13 years, including working at the Blackstone Academy, the University of Rhode Island, Brown University, and his beloved Central Falls High School where he has taught since 2010.

Upegui has received numerous awards in education. In 2017 he was awarded a Presidential Award for Excellence in Math & Science Teaching, a Hispanic Heritage Award from Central Falls in 2019, and the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics in the U.S. in 2015.

Source

Upegui named 2021 Rhode Island ‘Outstanding Biology Teacher’ – The Valley Breeze