Håfa adai ,

General Membership Meeting

Folks, this is our final meeting for the school year. If you have not attended one this school year, please consider this. This meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026, starting at 6 PM at our GFT Union Hall.

Make-up Days Waived

The 38th Guam Legislature has passed Bill No. 312-38, an act that amends Guam Code Annotated to grant the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) a waiver from the requirement to complete 180 instructional days, or its equivalent, for the 2025–2026 school year. This exemption was granted due to the impact of Typhoon Sinlaku, which disrupted normal school operations across the island. The bill was introduced on April 30, 2026, referred to the Committee on Education, Libraries and Public Broadcasting, and passed by the Legislature on May 14, 2026. Last day of school for students is May 20, 2026, and the last teacher work day is May 21, 2026.

Master's Programs at UOG

The University of Guam School of Education will be starting new cohorts in fall for the following graduate programs:  

• MA Counseling - Dr. ShinHwa Lee
• MA Teaching – Dr. Genevieve Leon Guerrero
• M.Ed. Administration & Supervision: Dr. Geraldine James
• M.Ed. Innovations in Teaching & Learning: Dr. Cheryl Sangueza
• M.Ed. Reading: Dr. Theresa Magpuri-Lavell
• M.Ed. Special Education: Dr. Catherine Cardenas
• Master of Library & Information Science - Dr. Perry Pangelinan

Attached are informational brochures for each program. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact the Program Chair (contact info is in each attached brochure). The Program Chairs would be happy to answer your questions about their programs and admission into Graduate Studies. The application process can take time, so they encourage you to begin early!

Loan Forgiveness

Teacher Loan Forgiveness: As an educator here on Guam, you may already be eligible for the federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program and not even know it. Because Guam is designated as a low-income area, teachers who have been serving full-time in our local schools for five consecutive years may qualify to have up to $17,500 in student loans forgiven. Teachers in high-need subjects such as math, science, and special education may qualify for the full $17,500, while other eligible teachers can receive up to $5,000. This forgiveness applies as a combined maximum across both Direct Loans and Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL). You have already committed yourself to serving our island's students, and this program is a well-deserved recognition of the sacrifices you make every day. Take advantage of what you have earned. You deserve it. https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/teacher

Teacher Loan Forgiveness (Steps):

1. Take out a qualifying federal student loan through either the Direct Loan Program or the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program to fund your education.
2. Complete your degree and begin teaching full-time at an eligible low-income school on Guam.
3. Teach for five consecutive, complete academic years in a qualifying subject area.
4. Submit a Teacher Loan Forgiveness Application to your loan servicer, signed by your school's chief administrative officer to certify your teaching service.
5. Receive forgiveness of up to $17,500 or $5,000 depending on your subject area.

TEACH Grant Program: For educators on Guam who are ready to take their career to the next level, the TEACH Grant Program can provide up to $4,000 per year to help fund your bachelor's or master's degree. Advancing your education not only benefits you professionally, it directly strengthens the quality of instruction our island's students receive. In return, recipients commit to teaching full-time in a high-need subject area at a low-income school for at least four years, a commitment that as a Guam educator you are likely already fulfilling right here at home. Do not let the cost of higher education stand in the way of your growth. This grant was made for teachers like you, and Guam's students deserve educators who have every opportunity to thrive. https://studentaid.gov/teach-grant-program

TEACH Grant Program (Steps):

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to establish your federal student aid eligibility.
2. Enroll in a bachelor's or master's degree program at a participating institution that offers the TEACH Grant.
3. Meet with your school's financial aid office each year to sign an Agreement to Serve, which outlines your teaching commitment upon graduation.
4. Maintain a GPA of at least 3.25 and complete coursework in a high-need subject area.
5. Upon graduation, fulfill your four-year teaching commitment at a low-income school in a high-need subject area, which as a Guam educator you are likely already positioned to do.