Adel Bouallagui Receives Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award

Earlier today, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo presented Adel Bouallagui, an ESOL teacher at Vanguard Collegiate High School, with an Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award in Rochester. The award recognizes outstanding educators who exemplify the highest professional standards and work to inspire students, instill a love of learning and ensure school is exciting, motivating and challenging. The winners hail from every region of the state, working with students in grades Pre-K-12 and teaching diverse subjects such as music, math, reading, science, technical education and art.

Adel Bouallagui has been an educator for the past 12 years, working in ESOL, special education, and in after school and summer programs in the Rochester and Syracuse City School Districts. He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism & Mass Communication. He holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from SUNY Empire State College and a Master of Arts in Media & Arts from Long Island University.

Bouallagui is a devoted teacher who strongly believes that all students can learn and succeed. His instructional practices and decisions stem from his firm belief that every student deserves a world-class education that meets their individual learning needs regardless of ethnic or socioeconomic background. He uses interdisciplinary approaches and inquiry-based teaching methods that aim to expand students’ knowledge, enhance their academic skills, and enable them to become college and career ready. His passion for teaching emerged from his experience as an English language learner.

Bouallagui is currently pursuing a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership to expand his knowledge in instructional leadership and become an effective leader in the field of education. His areas of interest include, but are not limited to, educational policies, culturally responsive teaching, curriculum and instruction, literacy & culture, multiculturalism, pedagogies for English learners, foreign language teacher preparation programs, and issues of equity in education. 

Source: NYGovCuomo