The 30th Pacific Educational Conference (PEC) which seeks to find solutions and advances in raising student achievement and educators effectiveness took place on July 17 – 20 2017 in Koror and was last hosted by the Republic of Palau in 2006.
The four-day event was held at Palau Community College and Palau High School. PEC is the largest gathering of the Pacific region’s leaders, policymakers, teachers, students and stakeholders in education. The Ministry of Education and Palau Community College collaborated to host the conference along with Pacific Resources for Education and Learning.
The four-day event brought over 500 local and off-island participants with Pre-Conference sessions with topics ranging from Non-Communicable Disease to College Readiness. Conference Workshops included Assessment & Evaluation, Curriculum Standards, Early Childhood Education, Emerging Issues, Family and Community Engagement, Language and Bilingual Education, Project Based Learning, School Improvement, Special Education, and Teaching Strategies. There were over hundred sessions offered during this four-day conference.The conference also gave an opportunity for the region’s educators to reaffirm their partnership and sustain growth in providing quality and sustainability in education for student success. It is an effective way for all educators and stakeholders to share resources available to support student learning.
The conference delegates were from American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, CNMI and the U.S. mainland.
The conference keynote speaker was Francis X. Hezel, SJ who was recognized for his fifty years contributions to education in Micronesia. Other educational leaders in attendance were Paul Hadik, Assistant President/CEO, PREL; Sinton Soalablai, Minister of Education; Dr. Patrick U. Tellei, President of Palau Community College. Also in attendance to grace the occasion were Tommy E. Remengesau Jr., President of the Republic of Palau; Arnold Oilouch, Vice President and Minister of Justice; Reklai Rafael B. Ngirmang, Paramount Chief; Bilung Gloria G. Salii; Senator Hokkons Baules, President of the Senate; Delegate Sabino Anastacio, Speaker of the House of Delegates; Senator Stevenson J. Kuartei; and Delegate Dilmai J. Saiske.
Also participating are 2017 Teacher of the Year: Ms. Daisy Ulitch – Palau, Ms. Dana Love-Ili – American Samoa, Mr. Gerard Van Gils – CNMI, Ms. Esther Asor – Chuuk, Ms. Mabel Uncangco – Guam, Mr. Sung Park – Hawaii, Mr. Tadasy Charley – Kosrae, Mr. Rockson Joash – Marshall Islands, Mr. Dean Anthony Likor – Pohnpei, and Ms. Sunarita R. Jonathan – Yap.