The Hawai‘i State Department of Education Leadership Institute announced its 2022-24 Hawai‘i State Teacher Fellows cohort. Selected from 10 complex areas and the public charter schools system through a rigorous application process, this year’s fellows were recognized for their collaborative, innovative and solutions-oriented leadership.
The fellowship will provide opportunities for peer and community engagement, tools to facilitate focus groups, and strategies for communication and public education advocacy. Fellows will explore individual and collective areas of interest, interact with various stakeholders including community members and legislators, and increase teacher collaboration and professional development to create the best conditions for student learning.
Congratulations to the following educators:
- Christina Chan – Highlands Intermediate
- Lucas Dembart– SEEQS: the School for Examining Essential Questions of Sustainability
- Kim Dempsey – Kealakehe Intermediate
- Akemi Faria – Kāʻumana Elementary
- Pinky Grace Francisco – Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary
- Kelli Kaanaana – Holomua Elementary
- Jessica Kato – Campbell-Kapolei Complex
- Natalie Lalagos – Kealakehe High
- Janice Lee – Mililani Uka Elementary
- Cliffordneal Lim – Kalākaua Middle
- Tanya Mau – Hawai‘i Teacher Induction Center
- Corey Obungen – James B. Castle High
- Christine Russo – James Campbell High
- Devika Sewpaul – Maui Waena Intermediate
- Heidi Unten – Kailua High
Over the last eight years of the program, teacher fellows have shared their expertise and experience in discussions with Department leaders, Board of Education members and legislators, helping to close the gap between practitioner and policy. The fellows have facilitated focus groups with hundreds of educators that helped to inform Department decisions around such issues as project-based learning, strategic planning and professional development.
Learn more at bit.ly/hawaiistateteachers.