We're continuing our coverage of those vying for the role of the superintendent for the Guam Department of Education. Now, we sit down with deputy superintendent of curriculum and instructional improvement Joe Sanchez—who shares his vision, his journey, and why he believes he’s the right fit for the job.

Sanchez is no stranger to education. Today, he serves in a role that he’s held since 2012. But his journey began in the classroom as a language arts and reading teacher at Untalan Middle School. “I not only have the knowledge, skills, and abilities, but I have the experience to take our department to the next level," he shared.

Now, Sanchez is one of seven applicants vying for GDOE’s top job. Over his 25-year career, he’s served as acting principal at VSA Benavente Middle School, school program consultant, director of direct instruction and success for all, and administrator for research, planning and evaluation.

As deputy superintendent, Sanchez has led major initiatives—adopting Common Core standards, spearheading GDOE’s 2014 Strategic Plan, and driving efforts to move the department off high-risk status. In 2022, he helped secure a new six-year accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and developed GDOE’s latest five-year strategic plan.

“I was the one who created the framework for implementation in all schools–making sure that everyone was trained and understood what was in the standards and what was in the different strategies in the strategic plan," he iterated. He also helped guide the department through the Coronavirus pandemic, forming a task force and a seven-point plan to address learning loss, which he said, “resulted in a large grant from USDOE because we actually implemented evidence-based strategies that they eventually approved for DOE.”

Looking ahead, sanchez says his vision is rooted in the mission of the largest agency in the Government of Guam to prepare students to be responsible, respectful, and ready for life.  “I firmly believe that education is the key to prosperity–not only for every individual–but for the entire island. I believe we can be the premier education system in the region–and I believe we can do it with the people that we have–because we have such hard-working people," he said.

Beyond curriculum, Sanchez has also tackled tough operational challenges, from resource maximization to school right-sizing.

“I led the commander–the team that had to deal with decommissioning," he recalled. "I was the one who put together the team, the one who was able to facilitate the different sessions, able to facilitate the different meetings, and ultimately finalized the draft to present to the board. So, in addition to my curriculum stuff, I really help out in other areas in the department, and that’s what makes me pretty well-rounded."

He says he’s also committed to ensuring stronger oversight of local and federal funds, saying, “I know enough, although finance is not my expertise, I know enough to be able to follow the process through from beginning all the way to the end. And I will make sure that I hold people accountable. And when I say hold people accountable, that doesn’t just mean I’m only going to approach from a punitive standpoint.

 “First, I will make sure that I understand what the issues are. I want to make sure I know the gaps are in people’s knowledge and where the holes are when it comes to the process, and I will see those processes through.”

Sanchez says above all, it’s his passion and experience that will drive GDOE forward.