As part of the University of Hawaiʻi’s plan to address the state’s teacher shortage, almost 60 representatives from education programs across the 10 campuses gathered in October to begin the work of simplifying and streamlining pathways between and among education programs.
“The convening affirmed individuals’ commitment to working towards continuous improvement with a common goal to make transferring and earning degrees smoother and more efficient,” said Cecily Ornelles, UH Mānoa College of Education associate dean.
Improved transfer, online access
Pathway alignment ensures that high school graduates can begin their education at any UH campus and later transfer their credits across the system to complete their teacher preparation program in a timely manner. Another priority is to expand online access for students on all islands to provide equitable opportunities for program completion. Streamlined pathways are also designed to serve emergency hire teachers, educational assistants, and other school employees who wish to become certified and licensed teachers.
Convening attendees also formed five cross-campus working groups, which will meet regularly throughout the academic year to address issues related to early childhood education, elementary education, secondary and special education, pathways and roadblocks, and recruitment. Participants will reconvene in February 2025 to report back on proposed solutions for each identified issue and to discuss and finalize action plans for implementation.
“The relationship between UH and K–12 education is a uniquely symbiotic one, and, along with our healthcare programs, teacher preparation is arguably unrivaled in its importance to our community,” said Alan Rosenfeld, the associate vice president for academic programs and policy and one of the event facilitators. “Seeing our education faculty dedicate their precious time to participate in this convening to tackle the state teacher shortage was truly heartening.”
The education convenings represent one way UH is working to fill critical workforce needs across the state. Together with partners in the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, Hawaiʻi P–20, and the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, UH is committed to a collaborative process to build an excellent workforce for Hawaiʻi’s keiki. Workforce development is one of the UH System Strategic Plan’s four imperatives.
