Ylarde Selected as 2025 PAEMST State Finalists

Baumholder math teacher Nicanor Ylarde is a finalist for the 2025 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

PAEMST is the highest honor given by the U.S. government specifically for K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teaching. It recognizes exceptional educators who have significantly impacted their students' learning. PAEMST alternates recognition between K-6 and 7-12 grade teachers each year.

Ylarde teaches math at Baumholder Middle High School in Germany with over 30 years of experience, specializing in making complex concepts accessible. He has taught a range of subjects from algebra to calculus and excels in analyzing student performance.

Ylarde believes every student can succeed with the right support and strives to create a classroom where all students are encouraged to challenge themselves. Passionate about staying current with educational methodologies, he continuously improves his teaching practices through technology, differentiated instruction, and innovative strategies. In addition to teaching, Ylarde has coached volleyball and cross-country, emphasizing teamwork and perseverance, and believes that education extends beyond the classroom, with sports complementing academic learning.

"PAEMST recipients demonstrate outstanding content expertise and a remarkable ability to inspire and drive student achievement. We are honored to have these finalists represent DoDEA in this prestigious award," said Susan Ramsey, Headquarters instructional systems specialist (ISS) for 6-12 science.

Each finalist underwent a rigorous evaluation process, where they demonstrated excellence in each of the five Dimensions of Outstanding Teaching. Now, the DoDEA state finalists will advance to the national level of the PAEMST competition.

Ylarde is one of three finalists along with Donald Anderson from MC Perry High School in Japan and Andrea Anza from Lester Middle School in Japan.