As students soak up the last days of summer, their teachers are already back in the classroom, this time as learners themselves. The Guam Department of Education hosting a seminar for incoming teachers, helping them sharpen their skills before the new school year begins.

With the new school year around the corner, a fresh crop of teachers is already hitting the books at GDOE. The agency is hosting a four-day seminar for incoming educators, covering classroom management, instructional planning, and more. It’s a chance to sharpen skills for first-time teachers like Aubrey Cruz, who will join the Warriors at Inarajan Middle School.

“I’m most excited just to get to know the kids. This will be my first classroom," Cruz said, being part of two new cohorts answering the call to teach amid an ongoing need for educators. Last month, GDOE reported over 200 teacher vacancies during its job fair. That number has since dropped to around 139.

“I feel like there’s always been a teacher shortage–it’s like this ongoing thing that’s been happening for a really long time. It feels very meaningful to come in and kind of help ease that need for educators," said Cruz.

For John Dunna, this upcoming year will be his second in the classroom.  He shares what brought him to teaching and why he thinks some may shy away from it, noting, “There’s not enough appeal to become a teacher, I would suppose...teachers, they’re your unsung hero. They really are people that are there for you–and they matter a lot.”

Still, he says the job is undeniably rewarding and offers this advice to new educators: “They need to really understand that you care about their circumstances—their issues, for them to reciprocate that to you.”

And for those thinking about entering the profession, Cruz said, “Don’t be afraid and just take the chance.”

For the time being, GDOE is also hosting a leadership seminar this week at its Tiyan headquarters, bringing together school principals, assistant principals, central office division heads, and other key personnel.