UOG School of Education has proud legacy, proven track record

As we conclude our series on the University of Guam for its 54th Charter Day, we've saved what's traditionally the college that produces the most graduates for last: UOG's cherished School of Education. This program puts fresh minds and eager spirits directly into the workforce - a proven pipeline of sending students from the classroom into classrooms of their own as professional teachers, with a legacy of excellence that spans 70 years and multiple generations.

"Historically, the School of Education has formed the foundation of the University of Guam, and it continues to prepare educators to serve our island and the surrounding Micronesia communities," explained dean Dr. Alicia Aguon, who notes the school's numerous degree programs - undergraduate, graduate and regional.

"The School of Education is continuing to grow to meet the needs of our community and the region. For our students coming in, we have the elementary and the secondary programs;  and then after that they can advance to the master's programs - we have seven of those. Now, the School of Education is adding a post-graduate program as an educational specialist in academic leadership and also a doctorate of education degree in instructional leadership," she said.

The college prepares willing people for roles in the education system at all levels, including licensure of K-12 teachers throughout the Pacific. "We know that teachers create every other profession in the world. So with the preparation of high school graduates, they become teachers, educators and administrators," Dr. Aguon said. "The School of Education has had an influential role in Transforming Lives and Advancing Communities in all areas of the region."

She says the partnerships across Micronesia have created a framework of immeasurable worth for preparing a workforce that meets the constantly-changing needs of modern education, not the least of which being distance education over the last two years.

"As education has had to respond to the pandemic, the conversations regarding the social and emotional wellbeing and mental health are now more central than ever before. SOE graduates have received instruction in the most effective teaching methods and the current technologies for working with students of all abilities and ages," she said.

"Bringing this level of education to Guam and making it accessible to those in the region will only make our island and the region stronger and more dynamic environments."

The shining stars at the school, Dr. Aguon wholeheartedly notes, are the professors. Their tireless efforts to produce effective educators is second to none.  "SOE's biggest strengths academically are the experiences and the expertise of our faculty, to guide the preparation of teachers, professionals and educational leaders through the design of our programs," she said.

At this college, education isn't merely a business - it's a lifelong commitment to improving the quality of lives, inspiring young people, and broadening minds. Aguon noted, "There is that passion for teaching and we hope to inspire and encourage and nurture that passion through our programs and their interactions in the school system.

Lastly, she invites those ready to embark on a career in education to enroll at UOG, saying, "There's simply no other institution offering this transformative experience for young teacher candidates than here at the School of Education."