The New York Times has long recognized the challenges faced by immigrants to the United States, and supports efforts to help immigrants build new lives in this country. Essential to the success of any immigrant is the ability to speak and write English. For that reason, The Times created the annual ESOL Teacher of the Year Award, for one outstanding teacher of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) in New York City.

The purpose of this award is to recognize one teacher in New York City whose commitment to his or her students is demonstrated by consistently going “above and beyond” the call of duty to help students learn English and develop the skills needed to create successful new lives in the United States.
This year, two of our fellow ‘Kababayans’ were named honorees of the prestigious New York Times ESOL teacher of the year award.

Rosemarie E. Parreno, ESL continuing education teacher, Hostos Community College; and  Nestor Villamil Tebio, ESOL instructor and program manager, Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens, and Hellenic American Neighborhood Action Committee.

To think that English is not our native language, it is a great honor for Ms. Parreno and Mr. Villamil to be among the honorees. To be able to teach English to adult immigrants in the US and be recognized for it shows the talent, dedication and commitment of our Filipino teachers. Truly, a Filipino shines in his own special way… no matter where they are.

The special ceremony was held in The New York Times Building last March 18, 2009.

Source:
http://www.nytimes.whsites.net/communityaffairs/programs/esol.html
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=105317&p=irol-pressArticle&ID=1266391&highlight=