Announced yesterday afternoon at the local Department Of Education’s office in Utulei, was the 2016- 17 Teacher of the Year, Dana Love Ili, a secondary teacher who specializes in Special Education, and teaches at the Nu’uuli Vocational Technical High School, ‘Home of the Wildcats’.

The Teacher of the Year national program began in 1952, while locally it has been here since 1979. Teacher Quality Office (TQO) State Coordinator, Evelyn Lili’o Satele told Samoa News, “The title Teacher of the Year, is a badge of honor that is worn for a lifetime and is given to a teacher who is able to serve as a role model for all teachers – sharing their live and passion for the profession.”

According to Satele, this year, the selection of Teacher of the Year, under the guidance of the Territorial Teacher of the Year Committee, is the culmination of a year-long process, initiated at the school level. “This year, for the first time the final selection was made by a team of community-based individuals representing various aspects of the community.”

Satele added, “We are truly grateful for their commitment, dedication, and passion for the tremendous task presented to them.”

She said, “I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to our Acting Director, Division Leaders, school-based administrators and staff, the Teacher Quality Office, the TTOY Committee and TTOY Selection Team Members.”

During her remarks, the 2016-17 TOY Dana Love Ili said, “I would like to give thanks to our Heavenly Father for all the blessings that He has bestowed upon me, I know I would also like to give a special thank you to my parents, my husband, my family, my friends, my church-family, and all the role models who have shaped me to be the teacher I am today.”

She went on to also “thank the Department Of Education for all your hard work – special thanks to the judges because I know that the task that was given to them was not an easy one, and of course I would like to give a very special thank you to my Wildcats family for your vote of confidence for representing our school, thank you so much for the over-whelming support that you have shown, as well as everyone.”

The Selection Team members were: CCCAS Fagatogo’s Reverend Iasepi Ulu, NOAA Isabel Gaoteote, Bluesky Communications Country Manager Filifotu Vaai, ASPA’s Edna Noga, and Teacher Quality Office State Coordinator Evelyn Lili’o Satele.

Teacher of the Year 1st Runner Up is June Seiuli – a Math and Technology Teacher from Pago Pago Coleman Elementary.