The struggles of her father, from Puluwat, now a municipality in Chuuk State in the Federated States of Micronesia, have been her inspiration on her own journey that eventually led her to Guam. She now teaches preschool students and is working on her master’s at the University of Guam School of Education. She also cares for foster children in Guam.

With her focus centered on children, Choffat was selected for the Region 9 Head Start Association Legacy Scholarship. She was awarded with $3,000 toward her UOG tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year. 

“My dad would always say, ‘Education gives you many choices.” I haven’t quite grasped the meaning of it, but I had experienced his hard work as a sole provider for the family, (and) it motivates me to move forward,” Margaret Choffat said.

After moving to Guam in 2006, she also took on the role of provider for her siblings and caregiver for her parents when they became ill.

“Neither of my parents could afford to fund me through college, but they have taught me to work hard and move forward despite all the challenges,” Choffat said. “I have learned from my family the aim of keeping the future generation going. I think to fulfill that idea, I would start in the classroom to make a positive impact on the children and their families.”

She is a certified teacher at Carbullido Elementary School’s Head Start Program for preschool students, and at the same time working to earn her Master of Education in Innovations in Teaching and Learning at UOG.

The program offers an advanced degree that helps refine veteran teacher skills and approaches, said one of her mentors, Dr. Cheryl Sangueza, Associate Professor and Program Chair of the master’s program. Choffat received her bachelor’s in childhood administration from Purdue University Global in 2019, and moved to Guam where she initially went to Guam Community College for an associate’s degree in General Education. 

Power to change lives

Choffat is a gem in the local education system, said Dr. Sangueza. "What she is accomplishing in her classroom and her pursuit of grad school reflect what I hope our island will see more of: Service from classroom teachers who are relatable to our diverse student population, and who are dedicated to succeeding with their students," said Dr. Sangueza.

“More important, she is passionate about her role as an educator, and she wholeheartedly believes in the power of the Head Start curriculum to change lives,” Dr. Sangueza added.

Choffat is thankful for her mentors who include Associate Professor Dean Olah and Assistant Professor Geraldine James.

“They are helping me to rejuvenate my teaching strategies and expand my perspective on teaching. Teaching is not only to teach the content to the students,” Choffat said.

She believes teachers play a role to help guide students to be responsible individuals and create a safe environment for them.

The UOG School of Education makes programs accessible for candidates at different stages – from those who are seeking an initial teacher license to teachers who aim for an advanced education degree.

“Most important, we ensure our programs are in line with national standards and university initiatives in the areas of cultural relevance and indigenous knowledge,” said Dr. Sangueza. “We understand the need to increase the regional diversity of teachers in the classrooms and we know best practices to support their success.”