Celebrate the West: Ron Canos of Guam earns Chairman’s Award for Outstanding High School Art Teacher

The Western Governors’ Foundation is pleased to announce Dr. Ronald “Ron” Canos from Guam is the second recipient of its Chairman’s Award for Outstanding High School Art Teacher. (See the 2021 Winners.)

Canos, from Simon Sanchez High School in Yigo, has been a strong supporter of Celebrate the West. Each year of the competition, several of his students have participated and been selected as Guam Finalists. In recognition of his efforts, he will receive an award of $300 to support his art program.

Born and raised in Guam, Canos has been an award-winning and National Board Certified public educator over his 22-year teaching career. With a proven record of success in increasing student achievement, the Guam Department of Education recognized Dr. Canos as Guam’s 2008 Teacher of the Year. In 2012, he received his National Board Certification and in 2017 and 2018 was awarded the Government of Guam MagPro Award for the Guam Department of Education.

Working with diverse array of students in Guam, he piloted the Advanced Placement Studio Art program, established Saturday Art Workshops with At-risk students, and teaches in the Eskulean Puengi (night school) and Summer School programs. Currently, Dr. Canos serves as a district and school site mentor, and master teacher for prospective candidates through the UOG student teaching program. Still, his passion continues to be in his role as a visual arts instructor working with students and supporting new teachers while they transition into their new roles as professional educators in Guam, where he lives with his wife and two children.

The Western Governors’ Foundation thanks Ron Canos for all he is doing to teach and inspire young artists, and for his strong support of Celebrate the West.

WATCH: Slideshow of 2021 Celebrate the West state finalists.

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