The Palau Education Ministry held its 23rd annual convention for one day on August 3, 2017 during which Minister Sinton Soalablai made opening remarks and Vice President and Acting President Raynold Oilouch delivered the keynote address. Education Director Andrew Tabelual and Curriculum and Instruction Director Debbie Sbal provided the updates of the education system in Palau. The 10-year plan known as Education Master Plan 2027 was also addressed in the convention and will be implemented this coming school year starting on August 14, 2017 to 2027 according to educators. The plan has been in the making 

during the last school year and was approved for implementation. The master goal in the plan is: Educate the whole child-mind, body, and heart (develop academic and career readiness, character, health, wellness, and the arts). A fundamental question is asked in the plan: How do we encourage and support young people to be successful in Palauan society and in the world. During the morning of the convention, 2017 teachers of the year were presented and among them was selected the 2017 National Teacher of the Year. She is Daisy Ulitech, a Ngaraard Elementary School teacher for two 

years. Prior to Ngaraard , she was a teacher of Bethania High School for eleven years. In the afternoon, the educators had lunch at PJF Bridge Koror side and participated in social networking and the ceremony for handover of new school buses for Aimeliik and Airai Elementary Schools.