American Samoa’s Techer of the Year for 2025 Mikaela Saelua has made history. She is one of the four finalists for the National Teacher of the Year Award, the first time in history that American Samoa has reached the last round in the competition for the top teacher award.
The Department of Education held a ceremony, Thursday morning, to honor Saelua’s achievement. Acting Director of DOE, Maefau Dr. Mary Taufetee, praised Ms. Saelua’s achievements and said what she has accomplished gives inspiration to teachers in the territory.
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(Transc.) Taufetee: This is our very first time ever in the history of the Department of Education in American Samoa. To have [a] teacher from American Samoa, and reach this goal. You have put American Samoa in a unique position. You have put us in the top of the world. You have given them— you have proven that, yes, we can do it.
Attending the ceremony, along with DOE officials and teachers, were Saelua’s parents, Rep. Fiu Johnny Saelua and Mrs. Catherine Saelua.
Saelua teaches English language, composition and journalism at Leone High School.
She thanked the DOE Director, those who organized the ceremony, and all who have shaped her career as an educator. She hopes that she will make American Samoa proud.
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(Transc.) Saelua: So I feel emboldened. I feel empowered, knowing that I have a community behind me, and that what I’m offering, what I’m bringing to the table, is not about me. It’s about what American Samoa can offer to the table. So I hope that I can make American Samoa more proud in this last, round. So after this trip that we are going on to California, I will fly to DC to, to do the last round of interviews.
Saelua holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Master of Education in curriculum studies from the University of Hawaii, Manoa.
In the Senate, President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean said it was a proud moment for American Samoa that one of its teachers has reached this high level in the National Teacher of the Year competition.
Congresswoman Uifaatali Amata also offered her congratulations.
“Congratulations again to my friend, Mikaela Saelua, recognized recently as Teacher of the Year, and now a well-deserved finalist for the national award!
“Teaching our young people is a wonderful way to make a difference in life. I’ve known of your excellence and dedication for years, so thank you for your commitment to our youth. This accomplishment is an outstanding reflection on the educators of our islands. I know you’ll enjoy the rest of the process, and thank you as well to all our teachers and the American Samoa Department of Education.”
The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) will name the 2025 National Teacher of the Year later this spring, now a decision among just four remaining finalists.
