University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Education (COE) alumni, Jade Pham and Rory Inouye, were surprised with Milken Educator Awards during assemblies at their schools in early April. Considered the highest accolade for educators, the award and accompanying $25,000 cash prize are given to the best elementary and secondary school teachers, principals, and specialists nationally who are early-to-mid career and have already shown excellence and promise.
Jade Pham
Pham, who earned her MEdT in secondary education, was presented with the Milken award at Kawānanakoa Middle School. A National Board Certified Teacher, she serves as the school’s student services coordinator. Pham is set to start her PhD in education (exceptionalities program) in COE this fall.
“I decided to become a teacher in order to empower and provide opportunities for at-risk children, similar to what my own teachers did for me,” Pham said. “I’m very lucky to be able to identify so many teachers throughout my educational journey who truly cared for and supported me. This award is for my school, my students, my mentors and my community.”
Attributing the foundation for her career to COE, Pham shared that her instructors taught her to design effective assessments, deliver high-quality instruction and manage professional responsibilities.
“All of my instructors were amazing, but I would like to say a special thank you to Dr. Sara Cook, my cohort advisor; Dr. Steve Klein, my MUSE (Mentoring Unique Special Educators) mentor; and Dr. Janet Kim, my recruiter, for their continual guidance even after I graduated from the program. Also, a huge congratulations to fellow Milken Educator awardee, Rory Inouye!” Pham said.
Rory Inouye
Inouye, who earned his BEd in secondary education at COE and an MEd in education from UH Hilo, teaches mathematics at Waiākea High School. Part of a long legacy of educators, Inouye’s parents were teachers for more than 30 years. His dad taught agriculture at Pāhoa High & Intermediate School, and his mom was a teacher at Kamehameha Preschools.
“Growing up, I saw the proud look in their eyes when they would see their former students in the community,” Inouye said. “The rewarding feeling of being a positive influence in their student’s lives was evident. Especially being in a small town like Hilo, these connections are even more meaningful. I moved home after graduating from UH Mānoa because Hilo has a special place in my heart, and I knew that this is where I wanted to teach, raise a family and be a part of this community.”
Inouye’s parents are not the only educators who paved the way for his career. His 104-year-old grandmother, Hilda Fo, was vice principal at Mānoa Elementary. He also has numerous aunts and uncles who devoted their careers to education. His brother and sister-in-law are teachers at Waiākea Intermediate School. Inouye jokes that his family reunions are like a DOE meeting.
For more, visit the COE website.
