The Ministry of Education held its 26th Education Convention Program at July 15th and 16th. The theme for this year was “Helping Students Succeed.” The two-day convention’s aim was to help prepare teachers to achieve their goal with assisting students succeed in life in Palau or outside.
Various activities were put in place for the two-day conference such as updates on major MOE Programs and activities, remote learning strategies, 30 professional development sessions, awarding for teacher of the year 2020, and other networking activities.
Ministry of Education wants participants of the program to share best practices and to learn from one another, become familiarized with various MOE programs and activities, as well as rekindling friendship and renew commitment.
A packed event on its first day at the Ngarachamayong Cultural Center, the conference was filled with teachers from public and private schools, notable staff from the Ministry of Education, and President Tommy Remengesau who gave the keynote speech.
Various presenters such as Director Debbie Tkel-Sbal, Director Andrew Tabelual, and Education Specialist Marcia Inacio talked about various topics relating to the current situation of Palau’s educational system and plans for the future. Other notable highlights from the convention was the awarding of the National Teacher of the Year Award went to Special Education Teacher of Koror Elementary School Atanacia Ubedei.
Second Day of the event took place Koror Side of Palau-Japan Friendship Bridge where there was lunch and a wrapping up of the 26th Education Conference.
Minister Sinton Soalablai mentioned that “the world is changing as we know it. The education landscape is transforming to a new level, and so as our students and their parents. The coronavirus challenge is providing us a huge opportunity to develop a trust-based culture. With remote learning that’s quickly becoming the norm, our planning and presentation of information are now more critical than ever to advance our students towards genuine learning and practice.”