Hawaii State Teachers Association

Geared for members nearing retirement age, we’ll delve into the State of Hawaiʻi ERS pension and Social Security benefits. We will also cover retirement projections, various investment vehicles, the importance of the catch-up provision for those more than 50 years old, your risk tolerance as you prepare to retire, and long-term care insurance.

When: Thursday, Sept. 28, at 4 p.m.

Register: https://bit.ly/45RmCIK

Beginning speakers with little to no experience can get a crash course in ʻŌlelo Hawai'i (Hawaiian language) for just $25 from Ka Hale Hoaka! In this three-hour live session on Tuesday, Oct. 17, from 4 to 7 p.m., Kumu Maile will teach haumāna (students) fundamentals such as protocol, the alphabet, pronunciation, and how to ask and answer questions that are used in our everyday lives.

Register now: https://bit.ly/3PIe5lF

Register for this three-part professional development workshop series that aims to strengthen educators’ practices to better understand and serve Hawaiʻi students by:

🌺 Successfully integrating Hawaiian teaching philosophies into their classrooms.
🌺 Aligning with Nā Hopena Aʻo outcomes.
🌺 Applying Hawaiian culture and traditional concepts to everyday practices to create a stronger sense of self, place, and kuleana (privilege, responsibility).

By the end of this series, kumu will understand their role within the kaiāulu (community) and promote a learning environment that fosters a sense of belonging for all learners.

Scholarships are available for full-time HIDOE teachers. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3RrWPlX

New to teaching in Hawaiʻi? The Supporting Hawaiʻi’s New Educators (SHiNE) Committee invites you to attend an informational webinar on evaluations. Learn the process and your rights when it comes to your evaluation under the Educator Effectiveness System (EES). This session is open to all teachers with documents and resources available for HSTA members.

When: Thursday, Oct. 5, at 3 p.m.

Register: https://bit.ly/45VmFmX

New educators, attend upcoming HSTA webinars hosted by SHiNE Attend our October session on evaluations

Posted: September 19, 2023

Are you new to teaching in Hawaiʻi? The Supporting Hawaiʻi's New Educators (SHiNE) Committee of the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association invites you to

Hilo Union Elementary educators share their love for Maui: “Kehahi I Kekahi.”

If your school would like to send a group photo as a message of love and support to our Maui educator ʻohana, please share it with us using the link below, or directly through our HSTA app by tapping the Submit Photo icon! Submit original photos only; no embellishments or collages.

Share your photo: https://bit.ly/3Lqs10B

The HIDOE announced this week that all teachers must obtain the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Sheltered Instruction Qualification (SIQ).

This applies to any full-time or half-time teacher in Bargaining Unit 05, including classroom teachers, student services coordinators, non-classroom teachers, and distance learning teachers.

In addition, the HIDOE announced a new option to fulfill the SIQ. Educators can now meet the requirement by combining TESOL-related academic credits and/or PDE3 credits with TESOL-related HIDOE non-credit seat hours.

HSTA has been advocating for the ability of teachers to combine seat time and professional development credits for many years. This new change allows more flexibility to meet the SIQ, while also making it easier to meet the new qualifications to reclassify for Class VIII on the pay scale when it becomes available in the 2025–2026 school year.

HIDOE changes Sheltered Instruction Qualification to include all Bargaining Unit 05 educators New option allows combination of credits, non-credit seat hours to meet requirement
Posted: September 15, 2023
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) announced this week that all teachers must obtain

Author Ryan La Sala, who writes horror and fantasy young adult fiction centered around q***r characters, recently visited Molokaʻi High School, where he spoke to students about the power of storytelling, how to pursue a career in writing, and what it’s like to have a bestselling novel turned into a movie. His visit, organized by the school’s award-winning librarian Diane Mokuau, was also a valuable learning experience for the island’s tight-knit community.

Author of q***r young adult fiction inspires Molokaʻi High students with career, creative process Molokaʻi librarian invites Ryan La Sala to spark positive discussions despite some protests

Posted: September 15, 2023 When

Join us after school on Tuesday, Oct. 3, as we explore ways to create LGBTQ+ safe spaces on campus. 🌈 Students will share personal experiences and perspectives; advisers will offer tools and strategies. Participation is limited to HSTA members. Register: https://bit.ly/safespace23

Learn about the different types of 403(b)s offered in the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Education. We will also cover the differences between strategic (passive) and tactical (active) money management, and the questions you should be asking of your financial adviser.

When: Thursday, Sept. 21, at 4 p.m.

Register: https://bit.ly/3RzdHHR

1️⃣ in 4️⃣ females and 1 in 13 males become victims of sexual violence before they turn 18. Ninety-three percent of these victims know their offenders.

As an educator and trusted adult, you can advocate for your students. On Monday, Sept. 25, at 3:30 p.m., get tools and resources to:

🚨 Teach students about sexual violence prevention. 🚨 Navigate disclosures as a mandated reporter. 🚨 Understand trauma-informed best practices for survivors of sexual violence.

Register: https://bit.ly/satc23

Waipahu Elementary in Leeward Chapter is : “Our hearts are with Maui.”

If your school would like to send a group photo as a message of love and support to our Maui educator ʻohana, please share it with us using the link below, or directly through our HSTA app by tapping the Submit Photo icon! Submit original photos only; no embellishments or collages.

Link to submit: https://bit.ly/3Lqs10B

If you’re on Oʻahu, please join us for the 2023 Honolulu Pride Parade on Saturday, Oct. 21. We’ll walk from Ala Moana Regional Park’s Magic Island through Waikīkī to Kapiʻolani Park. Members who sign up in advance will receive a rainbow HSTA T-shirt while supplies last.

When: Saturday, Oct. 21. Meet at 8:15 a.m.; parade kicks off at 9 a.m.

Sign up at bit.ly/hstapride23

Learn the basics and rules behind Social Security so you can maximize your Social Security benefit, determine the right filing strategy and age, and integrate it into a comprehensive retirement plan.

When: Thursday, Sept. 14, at 4 p.m.

Register: https://bit.ly/3P5g2qW

Many of you are likely eligible for forgiveness of your federal student loans through one or more of the federal programs currently available. NEA MB has gathered the latest information as it applies to our members and will share important updates and changes to these programs during this workshop. In addition, we have a free online tool that will help you navigate your way to forgiveness.

When: Monday, Sept. 11, at 4 p.m.

Register: https://bit.ly/3PuznTY

One in four females and one in 13 males become victims of sexual violence before the age of 18. Ninety-three percent of these youth know their offender.

Join us for a special workshop, presented by the S*x Abuse Treatment Center, to learn about strategies and tools, like age-appropriate, HIDOE-approved K–12 curricula, to help build a community of safety for our keiki.

When: Monday, Sept. 25, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Register:

Teacher resources for sexual violence education, prevention Learn about age-appropriate K–12 curricula, other tools to build a community of safety for our keiki
Posted: September 8, 2023 One in four females and one in 13 males become victims

From making beds to vacuuming cars, students from two Florida public schools raised $13,500 in just six days to benefit Maui teachers who lost their homes and classrooms to deadly wildfires in August.

Kids from both K-8 schools also penned messages of love and encouragement for teachers and students affected by the Maui wildfires.

Jaxon, a student at York Innovation Academy, wrote, “I want you to know that even though we have never met, I care very much about you and am thinking about you. You are very important and I know you will get through this. Stay strong!”

Florida public school students raise $13,500 for Maui teachers They also penned messages of love, encouragement for teachers, students
Posted: September 8, 2023
From making beds to vacuuming cars, students from two Florida public schools raised $13,500 in just six days to benefit Maui teachers who lost thei...

More than 200 people and organizations from 33 states across the country have donated in excess of $130,000 to the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association to help Maui teachers who’ve lost homes and classrooms to the Aug. 8 wildfires.

A couple from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, wrote. “We are overwhelmed with the heart-breaking stories on your website. As former teachers and association leaders from Oklahoma, we stand with you in this time of tragedy.”

200+ people, groups send HSTA donations for Maui fire victims The union is sending relief checks to teachers who lost homes, classrooms

Posted: September 6, 2023

More than 200 people and organizations from 33 states across the country have donated in excess of

As our parents age, they become more vulnerable to a variety of risks—financial, physical, and emotional. Join us as we explore caring for aging parents. We’ll identify issues and their impact on a parent’s well-being as well as your own. We’ll develop a plan to help you address needs that will likely arise, and share tips on how to respect your parents’ wishes, when possible, and still preserve your relationship. 💜

When: Thursday, Sept. 7, at 4 p.m.
Register: https://bit.ly/47WHwaK

Salaries for nearly 3,000 educational assistants and vice principals in Hawai‘i public schools would increase under a tentative agreement announced Thursday that will help combat chronic staff shortages. The agreement, aimed at strengthening recruitment and retention of public school employees, still must be ratified by members of the Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association.

Tentative agreement would raise pay for educational assistants, vice principals The increases would affect 3K employees who support students, teachers

Posted: September 1, 2023 Salaries for nearly 3,000 educational assistants and vice principals in Hawai‘i public schools would increase under a tentative agreement announced Th...

Come learn how to save money, manage your finances, and live your best life using your NEA Member Benefits programs. Planning your next vacation, saving money on your everyday purchases, insuring your most valuable things, and taking charge of your financial life are all made easier through your membership.

When: Tuesday, Sept. 5, at 4 p.m.
Register: https://bit.ly/3PljvCW

Join us in urging lawmakers to take action against the growing youth va**ng epidemic in Hawaiʻi. On Wednesday, Sept. 6, the Honolulu City Council will hear Bill 46, which aims to prohibit the sale of flavored to***co products within the City and County of Honolulu. It's time to hold the to***co industry accountable for marketing to our youth with candy-flavored va**ng products.

School communities are already doing our part by confiscating products and educating students about the dangers of va**ng. Now, lawmakers need to change state and county laws to:

📍 Ensure e-cigarettes face the same restrictions as regular to***co products, and
📍 Ban all flavored to***co, including menthol, to safeguard our children from a lifetime of addiction

‘We need a hero.' Urge lawmakers to fight the youth va**ng epidemic in Hawaiʻi Share your experiences with youth va**ng in our schools, communities Posted: September 1, 2023 As registrar and curriculum coordinator at Kohala Middle School on the northern tip of Hawaiʻi Island, Wendy

To support a grieving community faced with rebuilding after the Lāhainā wildfire disaster on Aug. 8, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education is consulting with a national mental health support group to provide training, counseling, and support to educators, students, and their families.

Dr. Melissa Brymer, director of disaster programs at the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, said a combination of in-school and community-based supports will be necessary now and in the future for recovery on Maui.

HIDOE brings in national mental health expert to support staff, students, families affected by Maui wildfires ‘We know kids do better when the adults in their lives are doing better'

Posted: August 31, 2023 To support a grieving community faced with rebuilding after the Lāhainā wildfire disaster on Aug. 8, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education is cons...

Frustrated Maui families told Hawaiʻi State Department of Education leaders in public meetings Wednesday that they’re frustrated by a lack of communication from the department, and they’re overwhelmingly opposed to busing their students to Central or South Maui daily to other campuses following fatal wildfires earlier this month.

Maui parents to HIDOE: Communicate better, keep our kids in Lāhainā Facing a chorus of criticism, the superintendent apologizes

Posted: August 31, 2023

Frustrated Maui families told Hawaiʻi State Department of Education leaders in public meetings Wednesday that they're frustrated by a lack of communication from

HSTA members on Oʻahu, please join us Thursday, September 7, at Windward Mall to fill backpacks with school supplies for 3,000 public school students in Lāhainā. 🎒 — with Kamehameha Schools.

Help fill backpacks for Maui students in need of school supplies HSTA and Kamehameha Schools team up to support 3,000 public school students in Lāhainā
Posted: August 30, 2023 Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association members on Oʻahu, please join HSTA and Kamehameha Schools

This Saturday: Join the Hawaiʻi Foundation for Educators on Sept. 2 for a night of boogying until you just can’t boogie no more! 🪩🕺 At HFE’s Disco Reunion Dance Party, enjoy performances by Asian Blend, Glass Candle, Greenwood, and Phase VII. Tickets start at $75 with proceeds going toward professional development for educators.

When: Saturday, Sept. 2, at 7 p.m.
Where: Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom
Buy your tix: https://bit.ly/3Yl1o2S

HSTA Leeward Chapter stands with Maui: At their first representative assembly of the school year, educator leaders from across Leeward Oʻahu showed support for colleagues impacted by devastating wildfires. ❤️ Members, submit your chapter or school group photos here: https://bit.ly/3Lqs10B

Teacher-driven advocacy can lead to major wins for public education. HSTA members, help your Government Relations Committee determine priorities as we continue to fight for improvements for our schools, educators, and keiki! Check your personal email for a survey link. 📩

Becoming a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) can be intimidating. Earning our profession’s highest certification takes work, and HSTA is here to help. Attend an NEA Jump Start session to learn how you can successfully navigate this process and earn up to $10,000 more each year. Sign up here: https://pd.hsta.org/courses/

Kīpapa Elementary teacher Kori Harvey said after writing letters of support to Maui students, “our Kīpapa third graders wanted to show their love by creating this picture for our Maui ʻohana.” Members, submit your own school group photo for us to share: https://bit.ly/3Lqs10B

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden told the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association Board of Directors Saturday morning, “We are a family as colleagues. We hold on to one another,” during an emotional seven-minute Zoom call from Air Force One.

“You all are experiencing loss in so many ways. Loss of family, friends, homes. But the good thing is, we’re teachers, we’re leaders. Our students look to us, they trust us. And so, knowing that we can help them through something that’s traumatic and even though it takes a lot of us, I think it also helps us when we help others,” said Biden.

First lady joins HSTA board meeting to send support to Maui educators She called in via Zoom Saturday from Air Force One

Posted: August 26, 2023 First Lady Dr. Jill Biden told the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association Board of Directors Saturday morning, “We are a family as colleagues. We hold on to one another,” durin...

If you’re taking the leap to earn your National Board Certification, join NEA’s fall Jump Start sessions. You’ll explore the Five Core Propositions and Standards, learn the requirements of each component, collaborate with other candidates, and plan your journey. Registration costs $150 and is now open for fall virtual sessions:

Sept. 7, 14, 21, and 28, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Sept. 9 and 23, from 8 to 11 a.m.

Register: https://pd.hsta.org/courses/

Teachers: For a limited time only, visit any HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union branch and enter to win a $200 gift card! And, if you open a HawaiiUSA rewards checking account with direct deposit (terms and conditions apply), get $100! While you're there, don't forget to pick up a free Teacher Kit with goodies to start the year off right. Promotion valid Aug. 21 to Sept. 30.

Learn more:

"Reward Our Teachers" branch promotions | HawaiiUSA As a teacher, you help Hawaii's students prepare for the future. HawaiiUSA wants to help you achieve financial wellness and reward you for your contributions to our education community.

One day after devastating wildfires broke out on Maui, Baldwin High teacher Trisha Roy packed up a box of donations and headed to the emergency shelter at War Memorial Stadium in Wailuku. But what was supposed to be a simple drop-off turned into three and a half days of volunteer service — and she wasn't the only one.

King Kekaulike High counselor Jamie Kovacic was overseeing up to 150 volunteers daily and coordinating the distribution of 2 million pounds of food in Lahaina when a truck pulled up. She was shocked to meet the woman inside.

Mahalo to all of our Maui educators who devoted hours and days of service, collected donations, shared information, and provided comfort to our community during this crisis.

When schools closed, Maui educators shifted to support wildfire-ravaged communities Counselor volunteering in Lahaina received surprise visit from Oprah
Posted: August 23, 2023 On Wednesday, Aug. 9, one day after devastating wildfires broke out on Maui, Baldwin High teacher Trisha Roy

Join the Hawaiʻi Foundation for Educators on Saturday, Sept. 2, for a night of boogying until you just can’t boogie no more! At HFE’s Disco Reunion Dance Party, enjoy performances by Asian Blend, Glass Candle, Greenwood, and Phase VII. Tickets start at $75 with proceeds going toward professional development for educators.

When: Saturday, Sept. 2, at 7 p.m.
Where: Ala Moana Hotel Hibiscus Ballroom

Buy your tickets: https://bit.ly/3Yl1o2S

In the wake of the Maui wildfires, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education must provide crisis counseling, establish safe campuses, keep displaced Lahaina students and staff together, and improve its communication with parents and educators, said HSTA President Osa Tui, Jr. in written testimony to the Hawaiʻi Board of Education.

The board holds its next General Business Meeting Thursday afternoon at 1:30 p.m., during which Schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi will provide a report on the department’s response to the wildfires’ aftermath.

In his written testimony to the Board, Tui said, "The public has every right to know and be involved in what happens with their public schools. Leaders step up in a time of crisis. This is your opportunity to lead.”

HSTA calls for keeping Lahaina students together, crisis counseling, better communications from HIDOE Educators implore BOE to ensure that campuses are safe, services are provided to students, staff

Posted: August 23, 2023 In the wake of the Maui wildfires, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education must provide crisis counseling, establish safe ca...

Members at ʻIlima Intermediate took this photo as a message of love and support to our Maui educator ʻohana. If your school does the same, share your photo with us! Please submit original photos only; no embellishments or collages.

Submit here: https://bit.ly/3Lqs10B

Last chance to register: Join us for HSTA’s virtual new hire welcome! 🎉 Discover valuable information, tools, and resources to kick-start your teaching career. Don’t miss out on learning about professional development opportunities, health coverage and insurance plan enrollment, and other HSTA member-exclusive benefits awaiting you!

When: Wednesday, Aug. 23, at 4 p.m.

Register: https://bit.ly/37AYLQX

HSTA to hold virtual welcome for new hires Learn about professional development, health coverage, and more
Updated: July 31, 2023 The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association regularly provides a statewide opportunity for new and potential members to get important information and ask questions.
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