HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — Six Guam Department of Education teachers have advanced to the final round of the 2025 Teacher of the Year competition.
On Wednesday, GDOE and the Foundation for Public Education announced at a press conference the six finalists who have moved a step closer to the prestigious title.
“The selection of finalists represents a diverse group of educators who exemplify the highest standards of teaching and are leaders in the profession, inspiring their students and peers alike,” GDOE Superintendent Kenneth Erik Swanson said.
Madrid Borja, Untalan Middle School; Sharon Cabrera, Tamuning Elementary School; Marie Carino, Untalan Middle School; James Santiago, Upi Elementary School; Yoo Shin, Simon Sanchez High School; and Charina Valencia, F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School, were named as the six finalists.
They will now be observed in their classrooms for the final stage of the selection process.
“This phase is designed to evaluate the candidates’ teaching methods and interactions with students. The individual with the highest (score) will earn the prestigious title of 2025 Guam Teacher of the Year,” a GDOE release said.
That teacher will go on to represent GDOE as an ambassador, “showcasing the high standards and commitment to student success that are characteristic of the island’s educators,” according to GDOE.
“The selected individual for the 2025 TOY not only holds the honor within the local community but also carries the responsibility of representing Guam on a national stage at the National Teacher of the Year competition,” the release said.
Finalists for the 2025 Teacher of the Year award are announced during a press conference in Maite on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. From left: Marie Juvy Carino, Charina Anne Valencia, James Lester Santiago, Madrid Borja, Sharon May Cabrera and Yoo Kyung Shin.
