Panama TESOLLearn how to become a member

Panama TESOL

Recognition

Panama TESOL Awards

We recognize excellence in English language teaching in Panama.

Since 1986, connecting teachers, students and ELT professionals across Panama.

  • Training
  • Events
  • Community
Diverse group of teachers exchanging ideas during a professional development workshop
Active community

Training, collaboration and new opportunities to teach better.

The Melva Lowe de Goodin Award for Excellence in Teaching

The award honors PreK–20 educators from public schools, private institutions, and universities who exemplify teaching excellence and make a significant contribution to the development of English language teaching in Panama.

Melva Lowe de Goodin was an influential Afro-Panamanian educator and cultural advocate: she founded Panama TESOL in 1986 and served as its first president. A champion of Afro-Caribbean heritage preservation, she founded the Society of Friends of the Afro-Antillean Museum of Panama (SAMAAP) in 1981, authored works on the history of the African diaspora in Panama, and taught in the English Department at the University of Panama.

The inaugural winner (2026) is Dr. Patricia Lucilda Yearwood de Lewis, a distinguished educator, leader, mentor, author, and former president of Panama TESOL, with a career marked by innovative bilingual education practices and leadership in professional development.