The three finalists for the 2026 Guam Teacher of the Year are exceptional educators. Guam Department of Education superintendent Dr. Erik Swanson put it best, saying, "Our future relies on these educators to mold the young minds of our students. Their commitment and dedication is a testament of the profound impact of teachers in our island community and it is an honor to celebrate them." And how fitting it is that we introduce you to the finalists and we conclude Teacher Appreciation Week!

Up first is Simon Sanchez teacher Acie-Jo Sablan Cruz.

"I teach English and I teach video," she said with a smile. For Cruz, inspiration to shape the minds of students came from her mother, who was a Chamorro teacher. "When you're a kid of a teacher, you usually follow your mom into the teacher's lounge, the prohibited places, where other students aren't allowed to go - I grew up in the office, the nurse's office - it had already piqued my interest in wanting to become a teacher," she added.

And, a high school English teacher.  "She just made ready come alive. And I love to read...the class was so much fun - I really wanted to be like her. And so I chose to teach English in high school."

After more than two decades in the classroom, when asked what the most rewarding part is, it's not about the accolades.  "It's not the certificate or the plaque...or anything that says 'you're a great teacher.' it's honestly when the students come back," she said. "The rewarding thing is when they come back and say thank you."

And while the rewards are priceless, the challenges are real, not just for her, but for her students, too. "A lot of my seniors, they show up despite everything they are going through. They are going through a lot of struggles at home, even having to be  babysitter. But they still come to school and show up. If they show up looking for that connection....if I'm not here and I let the challenges defeat me, than I'm not there to provide that for them. I think of them and how they show up everyday," she said.

So what is the role of a teacher? Laughing, she said, "Therapist, comedian, magician. Honestly the role of a teacher is not what you are going to immediately feel...sometimes is their second parent."

Now named a 2026 GDOE Guam Teacher of the Year finalist, she is humbled beyond words. "This is a collaboration ---being a finalist is for my colleagues, for my parents, the students, and for all those who make me a better teacher- this is for them," she said.

And she shares her deepest gratitude with the village that holds her up. "Whoever nominated me- thank you. My husband who has been my rock, my three boys- everything I do is for them, my coworkers, and my students, who show up for me and I show up for them, because I think about if I wasnt there for one of them, what would happen?"