California names Fil-Am ‘Teacher of the Year’

Nichi Aviña teaches science at Cielo Vista Charter school in Palm Springs, California. FACEBOOK

A Filipino American science teacher in Palm Springs was named one of five California Teachers of the Year 2022.

Nichi Aviña, who teaches at Cielo Vista Charter school, won for her efforts to improve quality of life for Cielo Vista students. The San Diego City Council proclaimed Oct. 26 “Nichi Aviña Day” in her honor.

Recently, she spearheaded the creation of the school’s garden and its STEAM (Science, Technology, English, Arts, and Math) Lab, and she continues to be an advocate for incorporating social and emotional wellness into her classroom.

Aviña moved to the United States from the Philippines when she was 7.  She worked for San Diego’s Parks and Recreation Department and completed her education at UC San Diego before becoming a teacher in Palm Springs Unified 15 years ago. She was named a Riverside County Teacher of the Year in May.