On a cool January morning, Maria Tolentino was taken aback when she walked into school to find a specific question from Assistant Principal Christopher Perkins.

What she thought would be just another workday turned out to be something that left her indecisive for hours at a time.
“Are you going to accept it?” This question would leave Tolentino confused. What was she supposed to accept?

It wasn’t until then that she was informed she was a nominee for the Teacher of the Year role.
Like the hardworking woman she is, she prioritized her work over accepting a title.
Finally, Perkins insisted she accept her nomination as Teacher of the Year. She has been nominated before, but this time, she was finally convinced she should accept the title.
As she checked her emails throughout the day, a myriad of ‘Well deserved’s and ‘Congratulations’s hit her.

It wasn’t until afterwards that her victory was announced on the PA.

On January 20, 2026, she was rightfully selected to represent the school as Teacher of the Year.

“I’m just doing my job. My goal was never to be nominated as Teacher of the Year, but I appreciate being recognized for my passion as a teacher.” Tolentino said.
For her, the honor serves as confirmation that she is fulfilling her responsibility as an educator. Though humbled by the award, she emphasized that it was never something she actively pursued.

Math has been her passion since high school, leading her to major in Mathematics in college and eventually pursue a doctoral degree.

Her experiences in past jobs only solidified her belief that math is far more than formulas on a page.

“My academic and professional background, passion, determination, and consistent application of my vision and goals as an educator helped me get where I am today.”
Those factors now shape a classroom where expectations are high, and students are prepared not just for exams, but for the challenges that follow.

“I want my students to learn beyond the technical and mechanical aspects of math courses,” she said. “I want them to recognize how learning mathematics builds discipline, perseverance, problem-solving, and critical thinking–skills that will serve them well in college, their careers, and everyday life.”

This broader perspective of hers shows in her class’s results. Tolentino has taught every level of math offered in the district, and her AP Calculus BC students consistently score above state and worldwide averages.

While many students find calculus intimidating, Tolentino’s expertise shows that the subject builds discipline and resilience.

She feels a deep sense of gratification when past students reach out to share how her lessons followed them long after stepping out of her classroom doors.

“I feel deeply fulfilled and genuinely grateful when former students and even their siblings or friends approach me and share how their experiences in my classroom helped them in college and in their professional journeys.” These interactions serve as a simple reminder to the lasting power of education.
“Those moments continually motivate me,” Tolentino said, “They reinforce my commitment to empowering students and making mathematics relevant, useful, and impactful well beyond the classroom.”

Even with the Teacher of the Year title, her purpose remains unchanged.

“I will keep on doing my passion and goal to provide the best education that I can for the student, irrespective of the award.”

Her mentorship does not end when the bell rings. She writes detailed letters of recommendation and encourages her students to pursue internships and opportunities that strengthen their college applications.

She takes pride in representing a campus that values community, personal growth, integrity, and excellence.

Being chosen as Teacher of the Year is not just a personal honor for her, but recognition of the collective dedication of
the school’s educators. “It is a formal confirmation that I am doing the right thing as an educator in the
real sense,” she said.

Still, she is quick to emphasize that many other teachers share the same mindset and impact. “Many teachers here work just as hard and care just as deeply about their students,” she said. “This award represents all of us.”

For Tolentino, the selection is less about personal achievement and more about the collective strength of her
peers.

“I am honored and humbled by the recognition of my colleagues to represent them,” she said. “I am definitely proud to represent Kerr teachers who are as effective and passionate as I am.”