TOMORROW, 27 CNMI students will be the first local teachers to earn their bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Northern Marianas College.
The group is the first batch of educators produced locally after NMC’s four-year program was accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente said “this is a monumental achievement” for the islands. “It shows that the CNMI is capable of producing its own educated workforce through the combined support of the government and the local community,” he said.
“First of all, my congratulations. The governor and I are very proud of all the students that are graduating not only from NMC but also in all high schools and junior high schools,” Benavente said.
The administration considers education as part of its effort to develop the island’s own pool of highly qualified workers.
NMC School of Education Director Sallie Sablan said the new educators would play an important role in the CNMI.
“These teachers will undoubtedly help fill the needs of the Public School System and the private schools and really ease the burden of having to hire teachers from off-island. In fact, a majority of the graduates that completed their requirements in the fall are already working as teachers here in the commonwealth,” Sablan said.
Interim NMC President Barbara Moir described NMC’s graduation this year as historic.
“We would like especially to recognize former NMC President Agnes M. McPhetres and Joaquin M. Sablan Jr. for making our bachelor of science degree program in elementary education a reality for the students and people of the CNMI,” she added.
More than 200 NMC students are expected to get their certificates tomorrow at American Memorial Park.
