Three Hawai’i Island educators were among 25 teachers statewide recently recognized by the Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE) for achieving National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification. John Crommelin of Ha‘aheo Elementary, Andrea Wilson of Pa‘auilo Elementary and Intermediate, and Leilani Yamauchi of Waiākea Elementary were celebrated for their dedication, commitment to excellence, and rigorous pursuit of the prestigious NBCT designation.

The certification is a voluntary and demanding process that can take one to three years to complete. It requires teachers to demonstrate mastery of their subject matter, pedagogical skills, and a strong focus on student learning through a comprehensive portfolio submission. These three Hawai’i Island teachers have now joined a distinguished group of 539 educators across the state holding the NBCT designation.

A luncheon and ceremony honoring the newly certified teachers was held at Washington Place on March 1st. Governor Josh Green, M.D., HIDOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi, and Hawai‘i Education Association (HEA) President Joan Lewis were in attendance to congratulate the educators on their impressive accomplishment.

“The certification is strictly voluntary and shows the serious commitment of these educators to their profession,” said Gov. Green. “We are proud to have such a high caliber of dedicated educators in our state.

“Achieving National Board Certification is a testament to a teacher’s dedication to professional excellence and lifelong learning,” said Keith Hayashi, HIDOE Superintendent. “We are incredibly proud of these educators who have gone above and beyond to elevate their practice, deepen their impact on students, and strengthen our public school system. Their commitment reflects our shared mission to empower every student with a high-quality education and opportunities for success.”

The NBCT certification requires educators to stay current with the latest educational strategies and best practices, benefiting students across the islands. The HIDOE, HEA, Hawai‘i State Teachers Association (HSTA), Hawai‘i NBCTs Collective, and the Hawai‘i Teacher Standards Board collaborated to make the recognition event possible.

For more information about National Board Certification, visit nbpts.org.

Congratulations to the following Hawai‘i teachers who recently earned their National Board Certification:

Hawai‘i Island

• John Crommelin, Ha‘aheo Elementary
• Andrea Wilson, Pa‘auilo Elementary and Intermediate
• Leilani Yamauchi, Waiākea Elementary

O‘ahu

• Dancette Ah Lee Sam, Waialua Elementary
• Kalika Ayin, Pearl City High
• Janae Cole, Ho‘okele Elementary
• Adele Dial, Wai‘anae Intermediate
• Shelby Furtado, Rev. Benjamin Parker Elementary
• Xiaochen “Lily” Gong, Ali‘iolani Elementary
• Nicole Kamau Ha, Ali‘iolani Elementary
• Carissa Kano, Ma‘ema‘e Elementary
• Thomas Lee, Wahiawā Middle
• Jaycie Martinez, Nānāikapono Elementary
• Scott Melemai, Kalani High
• Jacie Miyashiro, ‘Aiea High
• Erin Okamoto, Pearl City High
• Margeaux Ra, Helemano Elementary
• Cristin Selle, Kamehameha Schools
• Amber Smith
• Amy Sun-Miyashiro, Hawai‘i Tech Academy PCS
• Nicole Suzuki, Honoluiuli Middle
• Lourena Yco, Highlands Intermediate
• Jihan Yuen, Moanalua Elementary

Kaua‘i

• Marly Madayag, Kalāheo Elementary

Maui

• Leanne Dunn, Makawao Elementary

For more information about National Board Certification, please visit nbpts.org.