More than 130 high school students and potential future educators learned about the pathways available through the University of Hawaiʻi at a recent event hosted by Leeward Community College aimed at addressing Hawaiʻi’s teacher shortage.
Dive Into Education 2.0 brought together 137 high school students from eight schools, including Maui, Campbell, Farrington, Kapolei, Leilehua, Mililani, Pearl City and Waipahu, as well as a teacher from Kauaʻi. It featured representatives from UH Mānoa, UH West Oʻahu, Leeward and Hawaiʻi CC, and Chaminade University. Students explored educational pathways and learned about various programs.
“It was a great experience learning about what the different colleges have to offer, and getting to meet some of their faculty. I also enjoyed meeting students from other schools,” said Briseis Contemplo, a senior from Pearl City High School.
Breakout sessions provided hands-on learning experiences on building strong teacher-student relationships, using effective classroom tools, and embracing multilingualism. One session encouraged participants to become culturally responsive educators, grounded in Hawaiian culture, through an activity based on the Hawaiian ʻŌlelo Noʻeau (proverb), “Hoʻokahi nō lā o ka malihini” (A stranger only for a day).
“The students really enjoyed this year’s breakout sessions. I am grateful for the support of the high school [Teaching As a Profession] programs, colleges and community partners who helped make this event such a success,” said Tammy Yoon, event organizer and Pearl City High School Teaching As a Profession Pathway lead. “Together, we are shaping the future of education in Hawaiʻi.”
Leeward CC Teacher Education Program Coordinator Jeff Judd said, “Seeing over 130 high school students come together from across the state eager to become teachers and give back to their communities is truly inspiring!”
Osa Tui Jr., a UH Mānoa graduate who began his career as a teacher before becoming the president of the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association, gave the keynote address. He spoke passionately about the importance of leadership in education and the role teachers play in shaping future generations.
The inaugural Dive Into Education was held in 2023, and organizers look forward to holding the event annually.
