TTOY: It’s about seeing the potential in each student and harnessing their future

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Education is still in the business of building young minds and filling hearts with passion to ensure a prosperous future says American Samoa’s Territorial Teacher of the year, Jr. Konelio Cornelius Alofaituli who is the son of the late Mr. Seuseu and Pogisa Alofaituli from Vatia and Agugulu.

Every year the Department of Education announces the Exemplary Teachers of the Year and Alofaituli was named Manu’a High School Teacher of the year, which allowed him to compete in the District level and proceede to the national level.

Alofaituli said teaching should balance some of the major philosophies of education, paternalism, progressivism, and re-constructivism.

 “Being an educator sees the potential in a student and finds the pedagogy that will allow them to fulfill their God-given destiny,” he said in an interview with Samoa News.

 “I have been a teacher long enough to know that each child that steps into my classroom is a potential leader, parent, soldier, or drug dealer.

 “Therefore, I have to be the perennial teacher who keeps clear deadlines for students who need structure. I have to be the progressive teacher for creative students who want to color outside the lines.

 “Then, be a reconstructivist teacher for the passionate honor students that need a cause and want to change the world through being a politician or missionary.”

He said the benefit of being a veteran teacher is the opportunity to teach alongside those he has taught.

 “There is no greater satisfaction than to face my former students head-on at the Speech Festival or the National History Day competitions. 

 “I may not win all the time, but watching my former students teach and outdo my methods keeps me searching for fresh new approaches to stay current in our ever-changing field of education. “What worked two decades ago may not work today.

 “What worked last semester may bomb with this new group of kids, but students are generally the same.

 “Students are young people discovering the world, and they need a facilitator to help them connect real-world issues to their academic struggles.”

He told Samoa News his belief in the qualities of what a “best teacher is all about, it is the one who can determine the balance between the appropriate level of curriculum rigor and the pleasure of student learning.

 “There is nothing more rewarding than to watch a student’s “aha” moment as they grasp a difficult concept or master a new skill.”

Adding that meeting students in public places and having them address him as their “teacher” is a profound joy.

 “There is an intrinsic value in knowing that, in a small way - you helped this fellow become a professional and an upright citizen of our community.”

He told Samoa News that education is still in the business of building young minds and filling hearts with passion.

 “Thus, I volunteer to be an advisor for the honor society and tutor below basic students after school.”

He shared with Samoa News that teaching was not one of his life goals. 

 “I never aspired to be a teacher. One day I found myself looking for a job, and a small private school afforded me a chance to teach five-year-olds music.

 “That was thirty years ago, and I have never regretted the adventure. “Since then, the American Samoa Department of Education has paid for my education, becoming the first college graduate in my family.

 “The extensive training I have received in professional development is priceless. I am grateful.

 “Today, I shape the future of American Samoa in a small but meaningful way for my students and me.”

Alofaituli currently teaches at Manu’atele High School on the subject of Social Studies, which covers US history, World History and American Samoa’s History for all the levels.

 “I am truly humbled. I have worked with fantastic teachers in the department since I joined 10 years ago, and there are so many deserving teachers in the field,” he said in response to questions from Samoa News.

Asked about his preparation in leading up to the selection as teacher of the year, Alofaituli said it was a collective effort.

 “The Manu'atele family is the whole community with teachers, administrators, parents, and community leaders cheering me on, encouraging me to set an example for our students.

 “The preparation was a team effort. Everyone did their part and so, we celebrate as a Kingdom and I'm just one honorary prince of many Kings and Chiefs of the Motusā.”

His latest achievements, Mr Alofaituli dedicates it to his parents and Rev Dr. Ekitoa & faletua Suli Sopoaga.

Alofaituli while from Tutuila — his passion for teaching took him to Manu’a.

 “Learning the nuances that make Manu'a different from Tutuila was a challenge. The students are smart, but they need motivation to come back and build this ancient empire back into a resemblance of its former glory days.

 “I want to be a part of that restoration. “My dream is to see Manu'a build a strong infrastructure when the students return from university and have academic opportunities that were never available.

 “We need to rethink education and tailor it to the changing times.”

Alofaituli holds a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix and is currently taking courses for his doctorate.

Samoa News wishes Mr. Alofaaituli success in his future endeavors — may his path be one built on faith and belief in his fellowman, especially his students.