Regional Directors
Region II – Mohave County
Name:
Michael Angelo B. De La Cruz, BSBT, LPT, MASESB, Praxis Certified
School/Position:
Smoketree Elementary School,
6th Grade Science and Social Teacher, Technology Coach, ROAR Time Curriculum Developer, and National Elementary Honor Society Chapter Advisor
Personal information you’d like to share:
Michael Angelo B. De La Cruz is a Certified International Science Teacher originally from the Philippines, currently residing in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. With extensive experience teaching students from diverse cultural backgrounds, he is deeply committed to creating inclusive and hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning environments. His passion for real-world applications of science has earned him recognition as an innovative educator, receiving prestigious awards such as the Arizona Science Novice Teacher of the Year in 2023, the AzTEA Classroom Teacher of the Year for Innovation in 2024, and being named one of the Top 10 Arizona Filipino Teachers of the Year. Additionally, Michael was honored as the Lake Havasu Unified School District #1 Rookie Teacher of the Year in 2023. Through his dedication to inspiring curiosity and empowering students, he continues to make a lasting impact on education.
One of your favorite science activities:
One of Michael’s favorite science activities is flower dissection, which allows students to explore plant anatomy and understand key biological concepts through hands-on learning.
Why you want to serve ASTA:
I want to serve ASTA because I aim to leverage my expertise in STEM education and cultural diversity to address the educational gaps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. By promoting inclusive practices, I seek to ensure equitable learning opportunities for all students and support initiatives that empower both educators and students to thrive.
