(PSS) — The CNMI Public School System, in partnership with the Board of Education, successfully hosted its first Teacher LEAD Capitol Hill Day on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, marking a historic milestone for the newly established Teacher LEAD Program. The event honored the 2026 Teachers of the Year and provided a platform for teacher leaders to share their insights and hopes for the future of education across the Commonwealth.
The day began with an orientation program at the Office of the Commissioner of Education, followed by a formal visit to the Governor’s Office, including a Meet & Greet program with Gov. David Apatang. This event is the first major in-person activity under the Teacher LEAD Program, which officially launched during its virtual kick-off session on Nov. 25, 2025.
In attendance were leaders from PSS and the BOE, including Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, Associate Commissioner of Education Eric Magofna, BOE Chair Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong, BOE Vice Chair Anthony Dela Cruz Barcinas, BOE Teacher Representative Dr. Dora Miura, and BOE Student Representative Jude Burgos.
The Teacher LEAD Program is designed to cultivate and celebrate teacher leadership across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. The program aims to build a sustainable network of educator leaders who will strengthen instructional quality and elevate teacher voice.
During the Capitol Hill program, teacher leaders shared reflections on strengthening student learning and the future of education in the CNMI. They emphasized the value of project-based learning and real-world applications that build critical thinking and life readiness. Teachers also noted an increase in student interest in indigenous language and cultural activities on campus. Educators further emphasized the importance of expanding STEM opportunities, such as robotics, computer programming, and engineering, to prepare students for global competitiveness.
During the Meet & Greet, Governor Apatang acknowledged the essential role of teachers and commended their leadership and professionalism, particularly during challenging times for the Commonwealth. He also expressed appreciation for the Teacher LEAD Program and affirmed the administration’s support for strengthening the teaching profession and expanding opportunities for students across the CNMI.
Following the Governor’s remarks, the BOE chair, BOE vice chair, and commissioner of education also expressed deep appreciation for the leadership of the Teachers of the Year and shared their optimism for the road ahead. They highlighted their excitement for the upcoming phases of the program and expressed confidence in the positive impact that the Teacher LEAD cohort will bring to classrooms and communities across the Commonwealth.
Newly awarded 2026 State Teacher of the Year, Dr. Marifi Doculan, also delivered heartfelt remarks during the Capitol Hill program. She emphasized the importance of preparing CNMI students not only to succeed locally, but to compete and thrive on the global stage, especially in STEM fields. Dr. Doculan underscored the value of providing students with opportunities to engage in robotics, engineering design challenges, and international STEM competitions, and encouraged educators and leaders to continue expanding pathways that allow students to develop real-world problem-solving skills and technical expertise.
The Capitol Hill Day event brought together the 2026 School-Level Teachers of the Year from across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Those in attendance included Shevonne D. Flores of Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School; Alexa M. San Nicolas of Garapan Elementary School; Nanette Yvonne B. Hurst of Oleai Elementary School; Kate C. Borja of William S. Reyes Elementary School; Dorothy M. Deleon Guerrero of Koblerville Elementary School; Ignacia Marie B. Reyes of San Vicente Elementary School; Claudia E. Palacios of Kagman Elementary School; Mariana C. Patio of Tinian Elementary School; Lorna Mae D. Calvo-King of Sinapalo Elementary School; Didiich T. Tudela of Admiral Herbert G. Hopwood Middle School; Tianna Lynn H. San Nicolas, representing both Tinian Middle School and Tinian High School; Vanee M. Barcinas of Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr./Sr. High School; Karen E. Camacho of Saipan Southern High School; Marifi A. Doculan of Marianas High School and the 2026 State Teacher of the Year; Elizabeth B. Basa of Kagman High School; Kasandra B. Santos of the Head Start/Early Head Start Program; and Janet G. Aniciete of the Instructional Technology & Distance Education Office.
Also present were members of the Teacher LEAD Planning Committee, a group of former School-Level and State-Level Teachers of the Year who support the design and implementation of the program. Committee members in attendance included Yeji Lee (2025 State Teacher of the Year), Dr. Roque Indalecio (2024 State Teacher of the Year), Dr. Riya Nathrani (2022 State Teacher of the Year), Dr. Dora Miura (2016 State Teacher of the Year), Marvin Tamangided (2015 State Teacher of the Year), and Dr. Lorraine Catienza (2014 & 2015 Marianas High School Teacher of the Year).
PSS looks forward to the continued growth of the Teacher LEAD Program and the positive impact it will bring to schools, students, and the broader CNMI community.
