PSS names 5 Teacher of the Year finalists

Education Commissioner Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and Human Resources officer Lucretia B. Deleon Guerrero led the Public School System in announcing the five finalists for the 2025 CNMI Teacher of the Year award.

At the same time, 16 school-level outstanding educators from the various public elementary, middle, high schools and Head Start/Early Head Start Program were also named, praising them for excelling in their respective learning communities.

The five finalists are Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School’s 2025 Teacher of the Year Patricia Jane DLG. Muna; Oleai Elementary School Teacher of the Year Cristina Mae B. Ruiz, William S. Reyes Elementary School Teacher of the Year Yeji Lee, Francisco M. Sablan Middle School Teacher of the Year Marylyn Y. Tabuena, and Marianas High School Teacher of the Year Darlene P. Aldan.

Camacho described all the outstanding educators as champions of public education.

“The impact that our public school teachers have had on the lives of our students is something we keep hearing about. They personally tell these stories, as do their parents, our school administrators and other stakeholders, as well as many members of the community, and these are stories we hear on a daily basis. These educators devote their lives to students success, according to Camacho.

“Encouraging every child to reach their full potential by helping them recognize something within themselves, these educators and classroom teachers support the learning and success of our public school students,” Camacho said. “They are all sources of inspiration for us.”

Camacho added, “I am incredibly proud that our PSS is the home of committed and passionate champions of public education.”

Deleon Guerrero said the five finalists were chosen from the 21 outstanding educators that represented all public elementary, middle, and high schools, including the Head Start/Early Head Start Program throughout the commonwealth.

Selecting the state-wide PSS Teacher of the Year begins with each elementary, middle, high school, and Head Start/Early Head Start Program selecting their respective teacher of the year through a competitive and rigorous process.

From that list, each school submits their school-level winner to the Office of the Commissioner-Human Resources Office, explains Deleon Guerrero.

Using a stringent and rigorous criterion, the PSS-HRO identifies five finalists for the overall PSS Teacher of the Year. A special committee comprised of representatives from all sectors in the community is chosen as an ad hoc selection committee that selects the state-level winner.

School-level winners

Camacho and Deleon Guerrero also announced the 16 school-based 2025 Teacher of the Year winners.

The outstanding school-level teachers of the year are: Patrick John M. Alepuyo is Teacher of the Year for Garapan Elementary School, Ivan Jon D. Garces for Koblerville Elementary School, Marciliano Jose M. Castro for San Vicente Elementary School, Juvy M. Taitano for Kagman Elementary School, Chavelyn P. Epity for Tinian Elementary School, Emmylou A. Hocog for Sinapalo Elementary School, Gordon R. Salas, Jr. for Chacha Oceanview Middle School, Acelia B. Castro for Tanapag Middle School, Monica D. Pangelinan for Hopwood Middle School, Deana Sylveria P. Villgomez for Dandan Middle School, Regina C. Palacios for Tinian Middle School and High School, Sabrina Fran D. Calvo for Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior Senior High School, Joseph C. Weaver for Saipan Southern High School, Meena T. Benavente for Kagman High School, Joan Arlene T. Reyes for Da’ok Academy, and Joann T. Babauta for Head Start/Early Head Start Program.

The PSS overall teacher of the year winner, and all the 16 school-level 2025 Teachers of the Year will be honored during the Education Celebration of PSS in November.

The overall state winner will also compete for the National Teacher of the Year.

“I am just so proud of our teachers. They are all our children’s and our community’s champions,” said Camacho.

PSS will celebrate its 36th year anniversary celebration as an autonomous education system as a result of the enactment of Public Law 6-10 or the “Education Act of 1988.” (PR)

Patricia Jane DLG. Muna

Yeji Lee