SAIPAN — The CNMI Public School System, in partnership with the Board of Education, hosted its first Teacher LEAD Capitol Hill Day on Monday, December 1, honoring the 2026 Teachers of the Year and giving teacher leaders a platform to share their priorities for education in the Commonwealth.
The event was the first major in-person activity under the Teacher LEAD Program, and began with an orientation at the Office of the Commissioner of Education and followed with a formal visit to the Governor’s Office, including a meet-and-greet with Governor David M. Apatang.
The Teacher LEAD Program is designed to cultivate and celebrate teacher leadership across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, building a sustainable network of educator leaders to strengthen instructional quality and elevate teacher voice.
During the Capitol Hill program, teacher leaders discussed strategies such as project-based learning and real-world applications, noted increased student interest in indigenous language and cultural activities, and emphasized expanding STEM opportunities including robotics, computer programming, and engineering.
Newly awarded 2026 State Teacher of the Year Dr. Marifi Doculan also delivered remarks, emphasizing preparing CNMI students to compete globally, particularly in STEM, and encouraging expanded pathways such as robotics, engineering design challenges, and international STEM competitions.
The event brought together school-level Teachers of the Year from across the CNMI, including representatives from Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School, Garapan Elementary School, Oleai Elementary School, William S. Reyes Elementary School, Koblerville Elementary School, San Vicente Elementary School, Kagman Elementary School, Tinian Elementary School, Sinapalo Elementary School, Hopwood Middle School, Tinian Middle School/Tinian High School, Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr./Sr. High School, Saipan Southern High School, Marianas High School, Kagman High School, Head Start/Early Head Start, and the Instructional Technology & Distance Education Office.
