Yung Romano Strawberry Crest High School Tampa

Teacher to Know: Yung Romano, M.Ed., Strawberry Crest High School

By Last Updated

All it takes is one teacher to change everything, and for Yung Ramano, a freshman Pre-IB Biology teacher at Strawberry Crest High School, it was her teachers as a young refugee after the Vietnam War who shaped her into who she is today. She says they not only prepared her with the skills she needed to succeed, but also encouraged her to believe in herself. And now, she is that teacher for so many students in Hillsborough County.

She is showing her students that STEM subjects are not only interesting, but the skills they are learning in her classroom are laying down the foundation for potential world-changing careers, whether they decide to become scientists or even pay it forward as teachers to inspire the next generation.

You were recently honored by the U.S. government as the recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST Award) for K-12 STEM teachers. What did it feel like to be honored nationally and to represent the entire state of Florida?

Yung Romano, M.Ed.: The award is administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Each year, up to 110 outstanding educators from across the country may be recognized by the White House for their passion, dedication and impact in the classroom.

This award is the ultimate honor as a STEM teacher because a prominent cohort of scientists, mathematicians, researchers and teachers recognized my body of work both in the classroom and my contributions to the advancement of STEM education on a state/national level.

How do you keep students engaged in biology, a subject that some may find challenging?

Yung Romano, M.Ed.: Science isn’t just a collection of facts; it's a human endeavor filled with curiosity, perseverance and the relentless pursuit of answers. I weave stories and anecdotes into my lessons to bring the content to life —stories of scientists who spent decades analyzing a single problem, of accidental discoveries that changed the course of medicine, or individuals who used simple observations to make groundbreaking discoveries. By blending the aspects of technical content with human stories, I aim to foster both understanding and inspiration. Students remember stories, and those stories become anchors that help them retain complex concepts and see the relevance of biology in the broader context of human experience.

How do you see your role shaping students’ futures, especially in STEM fields?

Yung Romano, M.Ed.: I view my role in shaping students’ futures in STEM as one that provides opportunities for them to explore scientific concepts in ways that are engaging, fun and relatable. By making science feel human and accessible, I aim to spark curiosity and help students see themselves as capable contributors to the scientific world.

What advice would you give someone considering teaching in a STEM subject here in HCPS?

Yung Romano, M.Ed.: If you're thinking about teaching STEM, know first and foremost that passion is essential, not just for the subject, but for learning itself. You must be curious, willing to research deeply and open to constantly reflecting on and refining your craft. Go beyond textbooks. Seek out the untold stories behind scientific discoveries — how knowledge was built, challenged and reshaped over time. These narratives humanize science and can make your teaching more impactful.

When crafting lessons, put yourself in your students’ shoes. Be the learner first. Anticipate their questions, their misconceptions and the moments of wonder. Be flexible and imaginative in how you present content, and always aim to help students connect concepts into a meaningful, cohesive understanding of the world around them.

Ultimately, great STEM teaching isn't just about delivering facts — it's about inspiring curiosity, fostering connections and guiding exploration.

Can you share a recent hands-on or innovative STEM lesson that excited your students?

Yung Romano, M.Ed.: My favorite lesson is the “first” day back lesson that introduces students to the nature of science. The lesson consists of several quick activities that allow students to interact with each other and understand the basic foundation of science: observation, inquiry, questioning, collaboration and communication. One of the activities will simulate the “discovery’ and development of a scientific theory where the groups represent eight different countries.

What do you love most about teaching in HCPS? What inspires you—making it more than a job each day?

Yung Romano, M.Ed.: Watching students learn and grow. Hearing students admit their “dislike” for the subject and then learn to love it … enough so as to pursue it as their career. I view every lesson not just as an opportunity to deliver content, but as a chance to open a door to a new idea, a deeper understanding or even a lifelong interest. Teaching is about building a bridge: from where students are now to where they can go, with knowledge, curiosity and a sense of purpose.

When you’re not teaching, what are some of your favorite things to do in Tampa Bay?

Yung Romano, M.Ed.: Exploring the food scene is my favorite thing. Food connects people with memories, places [and] culture, and everyone seems to enjoy themselves.

 

READ MORE FROM HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS:

Originally published in the August 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.