November 13–19, 2005, is American Education Week (AEW). This year's theme, "A Strong America Starts with Great Public Schools," highlights the importance of bringing together teachers, administrators, parents, students, service members and our communities throughout the Pacific in a unified effort to highlight the success of our students and schools. In addition, the theme reflects America’s vision to provide students with quality educational programs so that they become leaders and achieve success in the 21st century.

Throughout its history the Department of Defense Dependents Schools has made excellence in education their top priority.  DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam is recognized and respected as a world-class educational system. Much of our exposure and many of our achievements can be directly attributed to one individual who makes all the difference in the world to each and every student – the teacher.

The only way to do great work is to love what you do.  As I visit our schools and meet with teachers I see the passion for teaching and learning in our hallways and classrooms. Seeing children actively engaged in the learning process by solving problems, reading and discussing books, and researching topics on the internet reminds me of the importance of our work.  The student work displayed in hallways and schools shows student understanding of our DoDEA curricular standards and the efforts of teachers to create meaningful lessons and units of study.

As we celebrate American Education Week, I will have the honor of meeting with our teachers who have been selected as “Teachers of the Year” from each district. Their dedication and commitment to learning remains a constant reminder of the importance of our work and the service we provide to our students.

Each year, American Education Week serves as a reminder of the importance of schools in our communities. In DoDDS-Pacific/ DDESS-Guam, we celebrate the success of our students and schools each and every day. I have great respect for your professionalism and the seriousness with which you take your mission. Thank you for your tireless contributions and unwavering dedication to make our educational system one of the best in the world!

Nancy C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam