18/10/2026
Congratulations to our UNIFFIED STTJ President, for being her school's Teacher of the Year.
Ms. Sharra Mae Domingo-Estigo Named Teacher of the Year at Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School
Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School proudly recognizes Ms. Sharra Mae Estigo as its Teacher of the Year, honoring her outstanding dedication to student success, inclusive education, community leadership, and service.
Ms. Estigo has been a valued educator within the Virgin Islands Department of Education since 2022, specializing in Special Education and championing inclusive, culturally responsive, and student-centered learning opportunities for all students.
Her educational journey began in the City of Marikina, Philippines, where she established a Special Education Center from the ground up to serve differently-abled learners. In a field that often faces significant challenges and limited participation, Ms. Estigo demonstrated remarkable determination and vision by advocating for students with diverse learning needs and creating opportunities for their growth and success.
After joining the Virgin Islands public school system in 2022, Ms. Estigo served at Joseph Gomez Elementary School before transferring to Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School in 2024 within the St. Thomas-St. John District. Since her arrival, she has become known for her unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their fullest potential.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Estigo has actively participated in cultural and educational initiatives throughout the Virgin Islands that encourage students to explore themes of history, identity, freedom, fairness, and civic responsibility through creative and research-based learning experiences. Her work inspires students to connect classroom instruction with real-world issues and community engagement.
Ms. Estigo also serves as the USVI Chapter President and a member of the Board of Directors of the United Federation of Fil-Am Educators (UNIFFIED), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in education, professional development, leadership, community service, and educational innovation among Filipino-American educators and education professionals worldwide.
One of her most notable achievements came in 2025 when her students earned First Place in the Academic Project Category at the 5th Annual David Hamilton Jackson & All Ah We Student Exhibit. The award-winning project, "All Ah We Have One Voice, One Purpose: Inclusion, Freedom, and Fairness," reflected students' thoughtful exploration of inclusion, freedom, justice, and equality under Ms. Estigo's guidance and mentorship.
Her creativity and school spirit were further recognized through the Virgin Islands Department of Education's Teacher Door/Corridor Challenge, where her St. Thomas-St. John District submission garnered an impressive 298 public votes and was selected as the district winner, earning her a MiFi device and one year of internet service.
Ms. Estigo's accomplishments demonstrate the qualities of an exceptional educator who successfully blends academic excellence, student voice, cultural awareness, and the principles of inclusion, compassion, and fairness. Through her dedication, she continues to inspire students to become engaged learners and responsible citizens while celebrating the rich history and identity of the Virgin Islands.
In addition to her professional achievements, Ms. Estigo is a respected leader within the Filipino community of the St. Thomas-St. John District. She actively supports charitable causes through athletics and community outreach initiatives. Most recently, she spearheaded a "RUN FOR GAB. RUN FOR A CAUSE. RUN FOR HOPE" fundraising event to assist with the medical needs of Baby Gabriel, the youngest son of her colleague, Ms. Lavern Gapay.
A passionate advocate for healthy lifestyles and community involvement, Ms. Estigo also leads a growing network of Filipino pickleball enthusiasts on St. Thomas. Continuing her commitment to service, she is inviting community members to participate in an upcoming Pickleball Tournament on September 10 and 11 at Audie E. Henneman Gymnasium, with proceeds benefiting the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School Volleyball Team.
Through her leadership, compassion, and dedication to both education and community service, Ms. Sharra Mae Estigo exemplifies the very best of the teaching profession. Her impact extends far beyond the classroom, touching the lives of students, colleagues, families, and the broader community. As Teacher of the Year, she stands as a shining example of excellence, integrity, and servant leadership.
