Iose Muasau, the Territorial Teacher of  the Year,  recently joined other recipients from the U.S. states and territories in a week of activities in Washington, D.C. in honor of their service to the nation's youth as inspired educators. In addition to the White House ceremony hosted by President Barack Obama, the recipients also took part in meetings at the U.S. Department of Education, tours of the national monuments and museums, and a visit to the residence of Vice President Joe Biden.

Congressman Faleomavaega Eni has also extended his congratulations to Mr. Muasau for his selection as the 2013 American Samoa Teacher of the Year, and in his recent visit to Washington, D.C., Muasau met the Congressman at his Washington office, followed by a luncheon in the Members Dining Room and a staff-led tour of the U.S. Capitol.

An English teacher at Tafuna High School for the past four years, Muasau has also taught at Nu’uuli Vocational Technical High School and Pavaia’i Elementary in the course of his 17 year career. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in curriculum studies. As he continues to teach at Tafuna High, Mr. Muasau is also working towards his doctorate in education studies from Hawai'i's University of Argosy. 

“Today, I congratulate Mr. Iose Muasau for his selection as the 2013 American Samoa Teacher of the Year. Mr. Muasau has truly made a tremendous difference in the lives of his students, their parents, and his peers through his exceptional teaching style, effectiveness in the classroom, and passion for his profession,” Congressman Faleomavaega stated.

“Mr. Muasau’s commitment and dedication has earned him the respect of his peers in his selection as this year’s recipient of the American Samoa Teacher of the Year award and I commend him for his service to the cause of educating our young people.” 

“I would also like to extend my congratulations to teachers and educators throughout American Samoa for the extraordinary job they do in the classrooms and in our schools. Next to parents, teachers have such an important role in shaping our young people to become better individuals as they achieve their goals in life.”

“I am grateful for the Teacher of the Year program for the due recognition it gives to our Nation’s teachers. Once again, I congratulate Mr. Iose Muasau and I thank him and all of our teachers for the noble work they do every day,” Congressman Faleomavaega concluded.