Mikaela Saelua teaches English to seniors, juniors and sophomores at Leone High School in the villages of Vailoatai and Leone in the Western District of American Samoa. Saelua holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Master of Education in curriculum studies from the University of Hawaii, Manoa. As a former Executive Leadership Development Program fellow and National Pacific American Leadership Institute fellow, Saelua brings a depth of experience and dedication to education leadership.

Currently, Saelua serves as the department head for the English Language Arts Department and as chairperson of the school’s Western Association of Schools and Colleges self-study team. Additionally, she advises the senior class of 2025, leads the school’s professional learning community and serves as the advisor to the Forestry Club and Peer Leaders Club, as well as being a volleyball coach.

As an educator, Saelua believes learning should be fun, engaging and rooted in place-based education. By connecting students with their local environment, she strives to make learning relevant and meaningful, encouraging students to explore social, environmental and cultural aspects of their community. This approach empowers students to address real-world challenges and fosters a sense of environmental stewardship that inspires lifelong learning.