[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 86 (Thursday, May 24, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E725-E726]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING JONAH MARI GUMATAOTAO ON BEING CHOSEN AS THE 
         2018 GUAM DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TEACHER OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 24, 2018

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate 
Mrs. Jonah Mari Gumataotao on being selected as the 2018 Guam 
Department of Education Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Gumataotao is 
currently a seventh grade Social Studies teacher and the chief advisor 
of the National Junior Honor Society at Augeda Johnson Middle School in 
Ordot, Guam.
  Jonah has been a middle school teacher and serving with the Guam 
Department of Education for eight years. Jonah was chosen through a 
highly selective process to recognize one of the thousands of public 
school educators for demonstrating excellence in teaching. She was 
chosen from over 80 nominees and over 20 applicants by a panel of four 
judges.
  Jonah is passionate about reaching all learners--English language 
learners, students in the Special Education program, and trying to meet 
diverse needs and learning styles of her students. She is also 
interested in discovering new ways to connect the classroom with the 
local community and instill in her students and NJHS members the 
importance of serving the island.
  Jonah recently led the beautification of two vandalized bus stops in 
Chalan Pago, and was able to coordinate the help of students, parents, 
community partners, school staff and the village mayor. The end result 
was two stunning works of art that helped promote both team work and 
school spirit.
  As a Social Studies, teacher her goals are to encourage students to 
keep an open mind about different cultures and be inspired to someday 
travel the world.
  Jonah recognizes that all students get a chance and they have to take 
it. She acknowledges the power of teachers to influence young minds, 
help shape personalities and contribute directly to future generations. 
She stresses to her students that success comes from making mistakes 
and learning from them, sticking by a commitment, and pursuing goals 
without hesitation.

[[Page E726]]

  Jonah has worked diligently to promote excellence in academics and 
character in her students and she has made a positive influence in the 
lives of all the students she has taught. I join the people of Guam in 
congratulating Jonah on this prestigious accomplishment being named the 
2018 Guam Department of Education Teacher of the Year. I commend Jonah 
for her years of service and look forward to many more contributions to 
our island and nation.

                          ____________________