COACH PAMA WINS TERRITORIES TEACHER AWARD

PRESS RELEASE – The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) is pleased to recognize Mr. Rodney Pama a Pre-AP Social Studies teacher from Untalan Middle School has been named the 2026 U.S. Territories History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American history.

The annual recognition program, presented by the Gilder Lehrman Institute—the nation’s leading nonprofit for K–12 American history education—celebrates one outstanding teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and U.S. Territories. It recognizes educators for their dedication, creativity, and effective use of primary sources. Nominees are recommended by students, colleagues, or school leaders and selected by state committees of historians and educators.

 As the 2026 U.S. Territories History Teacher of the Year, Mr. Pama will receive a $1,000 honorarium, a curated collection of American history books and educational materials from the Gilder Lehrman Institute, and recognition at a local ceremony. He joins 52 other honorees as a finalist for the 2026 National History Teacher of the Year Award, to be announced this fall at the Harvard Club of New York City, where the national winner will receive a $10,000 grand prize.

 “Mr. Pama has a gift for making history feel alive for our students,” said Natasha Dela Cruz, principal of Untalan Middle School. “He pushes them to think critically, ask questions, and see themselves in the story of our nation. This recognition is well deserved.”