As a teacher cum showman, Billy Santos Esmalde engages his students with action songs, dances, and innovative teaching strategies that inject fun in learning. His smile promises an inclusive environment, particularly for those with moderate and severe special needs.
Since 2019, he puts in the extra effort as Special Education Teacher at San Lorenzo Unified School District, Hesperian Elementary School in San Lorenzo, California.
Esmalde has a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy, with Educational Specialist Credential. In addition, he earned a master’s degree in special education and completed various training related to his field.
Having taught in the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, Esmalde has developed a rep in connecting with students and created highly structured learning environments, while facilitating progress for children with diverse needs using varieties of audio visual presentations, interactive platforms, visual cues and icons. His innovative approach in incorporating play into instruction has proven to be highly effective in catching student’s attention but at the same time promoting functional learning.
Small wonder that Esmalde was conferred the Teacher of the Year for the 2022-2023 academic year at Hesperian Elementary School. Also, he was among the nominees as Teacher of the Year for the 2022-2023 academic year at San Lorenzo Unified School District also in San Lorenzo.
Inspired by the words of Robert John Meehan, Esmalde believes every child has a unique learning style and pace.
Esmalde honors his late father’s legacy of helping others. He recalled his father used to love picking up family members from the airport and personally carrying their luggage when they returned from working overseas.
A former student now in middle school visited Esmalde after two years. As he was preparing to leave work, he heard a soft voice at the back door whispering, “Teacher Billy, Teacher Billy.”
The now high school student slowly walked towards him and sat in the chair he used to occupy. Hearing from the student’s father that the child is doing well and making significant progress, it choked Esmalde and made his heart full.
Esmalde’s dedication to teaching and his students is an example of the transformative power of education. His story is a reminder of what teachers can provide in the lives of their students and the importance of nurturing a supportive and encouraging learning environment.
