The University proudly congratulates Jeron Velasco, an alumnus and former teacher of the College of Education, for being selected as the, “2025 Arizona History Teacher of the Year” by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History on July 25.
A distinguished alumnus from La Castellana, Negros Occidental, Jeron has exemplified excellence in education for over 12 years, with teaching experience at the high school, college, and graduate levels in both the Philippines and the United States.
Jeron Velasco earned his Bachelor of Secondary Education, Major in Social Studies, in 2012, and later pursued graduate studies at his alma mater, completing his Master of Arts in Education, Major in Social Studies, in 2016.
After his master's degree, he dedicated five years, from 2017 to 2022, to teaching at his former home, the College of Education.
Currently, he teaches history at the Dishchii’bikoh Community School in Cibecue, Arizona, on the White Mountain Apache Reservation.
According to the Arizona Department of Education, “The selection committee unanimously chose Mr. Velasco for his outstanding dedication to engaging students and enriching his community through the study of history.”
His achievements include being selected as one of only five national C-SPAN Teacher Fellows for 2025 and receiving prestigious recognitions such as the John J. Ross Memorial Award for Teacher Excellence in Law-Related Education, the Instabright Outstanding Individual in the Field of History, and ETCOR’s Most Outstanding Educator in Social Studies and Most Outstanding Research Consultant.
Reflecting on his teaching philosophy, Jeron shared with the Arizona Department of Education, “My inspiration comes from my students’ untold stories and the urgent need to make history matter in their lives. I approach history as a living, breathing subject, rooted in identity, justice, and action.”
Further highlighting his impact on social studies education, he was honored with the Golden Plume Award for Education by Project Pantas Pilipinas and expanded his expertise through the OPHIR International Awards Masterclass for Literature and the Arts.
Jeron is among the 53 candidates for the “National History Teacher of the Year” competition.
Through his passion for teaching, Jeron continues to embody the Lasallian values of excellence and service, inspiring both students and fellow educators in the United States and beyond.