Acie Jo Sablan Cruz teaches 12th grade English and video at Simon Sanchez High School on Guam. Cruz holds a Bachelor of Arts in secondary education and English from the University of Guam and a Master of Education in educational leadership from the University of Portland. With more than 22 years of teaching experience, she is known for connecting academic learning with service and storytelling to help students discover their identity and purpose.

Cruz serves as the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports coordinator, the activities coordinator, the senior class of 2025 main advisor and the Legacy Club advisor. She has led numerous schoolwide and community projects, including When You Wish Upon a Shark, Yuletide in Yigo and Fleece Navidad, which have provided thousands of toys, blankets and supplies to children and families in need during the holiday season.

As an educator, Cruz believes in creating a classroom rooted in empathy, reflection and belonging. Her students feel empowered by her reminder that, “Everyone has a story,” a message that encourages them to embrace their voices and use their experiences to create positive change in their communities. For Cruz, teaching is about more than academics; it is about helping students recognize the power of their stories and inspiring them to become compassionate, purposeful changemakers in the world around them.