Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka, a PhD student in the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²Ñ¨¡²Ô´Ç²¹¡¯s College of Education (COE) (LTEC) department, has been named the American S¨¡moa Territorial Teacher of the Year. An English teacher at Samoana High School where she attended school, Suluai-Mahuka earned a BEd and MEd from the COE.
“Ever since I became an educator, this award has always been a goal of mine,” Suluai-Mahuka said. “I¡¯ve worked assiduously to improve with every lesson and with every school year, I was motivated to push through all the late hours that are demanded of a teacher. As such, I am honored to be bestowed this prestigious title, and it is especially special to me as my mother was awarded this same title 10 years ago.”
Suluai-Mahuka is also a graduate advisor and lecturer in the college¡¯s program where she earned her master¡¯s degree. The focus of this curriculum studies program is on culturally-responsive, Pacific, place-based science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics subjects.
PACMED Director Deb Zuercher said, “I was not only Sabrina¡¯s cohort instructor and graduate advisor, but I was also her mother¡¯s! Jewele Suluai was also the Territorial Teacher of the Year and a COE BEd and MEd graduate.”
Before Samoana, Suluai-Mahuka began her teaching career at Faʻasao Marist High School as head of the English department. She credits the COE with having a major role in her career, having gained the necessary knowledge and experience to become a more effective teacher.
She concluded, “With amazing instructors and phenomenal lessons, I was taught to employ effective classroom management strategies, plan meaningful and engaging lessons, and meet the needs of all my diverse learners. I am grateful to have been able to obtain such an amazing education, and I hope to see more educators, who are passionate about their profession, join in and pursue higher education with the College of Education.”