About Us

Reiner “Teng” Bernabe

Reiner “Teng” Bernabe is an educator, researcher, and teacher leader with over 13 years of teaching experience across the Philippines and the United States. Known to many as Teng, he is committed to inclusive education, collaborative teaching, and instructional innovation that improves outcomes for students with diverse learning needs. Recognized as Teacher of the Year in 2023 in Desoto County, Florida, Teng specializes in developing digital tools that support Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), focusing on data-driven instructional planning, teacher collaboration, and postsecondary transition goals for students with disabilities. Teng is currently developing two web-based applications to improve IEP documentation, educator collaboration, and educational legal compliance, and will present them at an upcoming educational state convention in Florida. In addition to his work in K-12 education, He serves as the Director of the Arizona Institute of Health Sciences in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he oversees training programs for healthcare professionals and contributes to workforce education and professional development. Teng has a bachelor's degree in Education, majoring in Special Education, and a Master's Degree in Teaching Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disability.

Beyond his professional roles, Teng is deeply interested in community-centered research and collaborative initiatives that empower local communities. This is rooted in his experience as president of Disability Advocates of Pampanga, a local advocacy group focused on advancing the rights and education of people with disabilities in the Philippines. He believes that education, research, and community engagement should work together to create meaningful opportunities for growth and inclusion. Teng's work reflects a strong commitment to community-based projects that foster creativity, connection, and positive development, and he is particularly interested in supporting initiatives like Dream Big, where research, youth engagement, and community collaboration can help build safe, inspiring spaces for learning and personal development. As a marathon runner and advocate for people with disabilities, Teng brings resilience, discipline, and a passion for service to both his professional work and community involvement.