2002 Guam Teacher of the Year
Ms. Flores teaches Instrumental Music to students in grades six, seven and eight at F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle School in Yigo, Guam. She has been teaching for twenty years.

What are your beliefs about teaching?
"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." William A. Ward. This quote encapsulates my philosophy about teaching. It is my ultimate responsibility to reach the heart and soul of each child I encounter through my profession. I have the ability to make or break a child's essence. I must not simply teach – I must inspire."

How are your beliefs incorporated in your teaching style?
"Teaching music lends itself to my basic teaching philosophy. My course involves 100% hands-on activity. I must work through the beginning stages of helping a child learn how to play an instrument, and work to build confidence and self-esteem as we work together as a team. Then our team works towards the common goal of being able to represent our school well as we perform for various community events."

What is your greatest teaching accomplishment?
"My greatest teaching accomplishment is becoming Guam's Teacher of the Year for 2002."

What's the most critical issue facing educators today and what do you think can be done to resolve this issue?
"President Bush's 'No Child Left Behind' paves a road to new challenges in education. I think that teachers don't feel respected in their profession. Often new policies are implemented without teacher input. Teachers work with children every day and their experiences should be considered when making new policies for school districts. Teachers need to speak out as often as they can in support of other teachers and the profession of teaching. We need to prove to our communities that we can be trusted to do our job and we can raise national test results within our schools. That is when we will be perceived as excellent professionals in our nation."

Inspirational thought:
"Take a moment to reflect on the one teacher who made a difference in your life. How was that teacher different from others? Now, think of a child in your class who really needs some attention. Give back what you received. Be a child's special teacher. Dare to make a difference."