Teach For America Hawai'i

ICYMI: Beth Higashi (‘08 HI), a President Theodore Roosevelt High School - Hawaii graduate and current Assistant Superintendent HIDOE, shared how a plan to teach for just two years became an 18 year journey in public education. From being a special education teacher at Waipahu High School to one of the state’s top education leaders, Beth reflected on the positive changes she has witnessed in Hawaiʻi’s public schools, the power of community partnership, and why she remains optimistic about the future of education for Hawaiʻi’s students. Beth’s story is a reminder that public education not only shapes lives, it also develops the leaders who help build Hawaiʻi’s future. 🍎

Our 2026 Hawai’i Island Corps had the privilege to visit Waipi’o Valley this past weekend. It was an unforgettable day learning about this wahi pana, working in the lo’i, and making connections between ‘āina and future classrooms.

One participant shared that they never thought that this was what they’d be doing as part of TFA Hawai’i. It’s true - we are a very unique TFA region! The ‘ōlelo no’eau “Ka wā ma mua, ka wā ma hope” comes to mind, meaning “the future is in the past.” Rooting Hawai’i Island’s newest teachers in ‘āina-based learning is essential to serving our local communities.

Mahalo nunui .hi for this incredible experience 🙌🏼

ICYMI: Isaiah P**e ‘18 shared about his journey from Kamaile Academy student to teacher, now finishing his eighth year on staff at his alma mater. When he’s not on campus as an instructional coach, Kumu P**e leads E Ala Voyaging Academy, fulfilling his kuleana to provide next-gen leaders with the experience to be curious about themselves, about ʻāina, and to achieve their hopes and dreams.

We kāko’o what Isaiah shared: It takes a healthy village to raise a healthy child, and our children are ‘āina. It’s our kuleana to mālama ‘āina and each other through classroom and community. 🤎

Mahalo, teachers! 🤙🏼

ICYMI: Our latest story features Executive Director Meilan Akaka Manfre (Hawaiʻi ’08) and Advisory Board Chair Emeritus Mitch D’Olier reflecting on our journey honoring the early champions and community partners whose support helped bring this vision to life, building a lasting movement for educational equity in Hawaiʻi that continues to grow today.