For the third Faculty Convocation of the spring 2017 semester, Director of Education Dr. Ruth Matagi-Tofiga spoke before an audience of faculty members at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC).
She shared the same presentation she gave to many school teachers and administrators on some the basic leadership skills a teacher must have.
Dr. Matagi-Tofiga told her captive audience, “We should teach to make an impact, not just make an income.
“Not only should we strive to make a positive impact on our students, but also to make our own learning a lifelong process.”
The DOE Director shared that even with the important positions she has held, people in the community most frequently remember as their former science instructor and principal at Tafuna High School. “
We can make the biggest difference in the lives of students during our times of one-on-one interaction with them,” she reflected.
Dr. Matagi-Tofiga’s talk included her thoughts on the importance of working collaboratively with other faculty, taking advantage of professional development opportunities, keeping a positive attitude, and the crucial importance of staying healthy.
“She reminded the audience that college education begins from kindergarten, emphasizing the relationship between DOE and ASCC,” said the College’s Faculty Senate President Poe Mageo.
“She also talked about having the passion to teach students. and claimed she’s better-known in the community as a chemistry teacher than as the DOE Director.
“She reminded the ASCC faculty that as in any work place, teachers need to work as a team and build-up one another. Working in isolation would defeat the purpose of team spirit and networking.”
After her talk, the DOE Director took the opportunity to personally greet many of the ASCC faculty in attendance.
“We’re grateful Dr. Matagi-Tofiga could spend this time with us and give us an insight into her own philosophy on education,” said Mageo.
“Whether we teach toddlers or young adults, all teachers in American Samoa, as Dr. Matagi-Tofiga pointed out, have the responsibility of making the best impact they can on the lives of their students.”
