History

The Order of Teaching Merit Lt. Juan Manuel Cajigal (Orden al Mérito Docente Tte. Juan Manuel Cajigal) was instituted in Venezuela on April 18, 2010 to reward nationals and foreigners, both civilians and military personnel, in recognition of meritorious service rendered to military schools and institutions within the country.

The Order is awarded with three grades: I Class Gold Medal, II Class Silver Medal, and III Class Bronze Medal. The Order has no star.

Juan Manuel Cajigal y Odoardo (1803–1856) was a Venezuelan mathematician, engineer and statesman. He helped to found the Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País, as well as to create and direct the new Military Academy of Mathematics. He served in Congress twice.