Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — American Samoa’s Teacher of the Year is one of four finalists from across the country vying to become the 2025 National Teacher of the Year.

She is Mikaela Saelua who teaches senior English, journalism/ yearbook, AP English language and composition at Leone High School.

Ms. 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. As a former Executive Leadership Development Program fellow and National Pacific American Leadership Institute fellow, she brings a depth of experience and dedication to education leadership.

“Congratulations to my friend, Mikaela Saelua, recognized recently as Teacher of the Year, and now a well-deserved finalist for the national award!” Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata. “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.”

Currently, Ms Saelua serves as the department head for the English Language Arts Department and as chairperson of the school’s Western Association of Schools and Colleges self-study team.

Additionally, she advises the senior class of 2025, leads the school’s professional learning community and serves as the advisor to the Forestry Club and Peer Leaders Club, as well as being a volleyball coach.

As an educator, she believes learning should be fun, engaging and rooted in place-based education. By connecting students with their local environment, she strives to make learning relevant and meaningful, encouraging students to explore social, environmental and cultural aspects of their community. This approach empowers students to address real-world challenges and fosters a sense of environmental stewardship that inspires lifelong learning, according to a press release on her achievements.

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. The CCSSO runs the National Teacher of the Year Program with Google for Education becoming the lead sponsor in 2025. Each year, states, U.S. extra-state territories, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity select outstanding educators to serve as State Teachers of the Year. 

Finalists are selected based on written applications.