Bernice Pauahi Bishop’s desire to create educational opportunities in perpetuity to improve the capability and well-being of people of Hawaiian ancestry is something that resonates deeply with all Kamehameha Schools employees. Our workforce is committed to and passionate about doing our best work to fulfill this mission at every level every day.
“One of the many things that I love about this job is that I am surrounded by administration and teachers that truly understand best practices for the pre-adolescent and adolescent child. They really do put the haumāna first. After being here after just a few weeks, I was repeatedly impressed with the programs that were in place at Kula Waena. Then receiving news this year (2023) that KMS received the AMLE (Association for Middle Level Education) Distinguished School award, the first school ever for the state of Hawaii, was validation of what I observe and experience on a daily basis.
I think the coolest thing we’re working on right now is the challenge of bringing more Hawaiian Culture-Based Education (HCBE) to our PE program. For example, one thing being discussed is how to expand our Makahiki unit to encompass a more transdisciplinary approach. We are looking to make Makahiki much more than just about the games like ‘Ulu Maika and ‘Ō‘ō Ihe. We want to integrate the other subject areas and add more history, social studies, science and math into the unit.”
“In previous jobs, I was frustrated by a lack of mission, vision, and support, and it felt like it was time for a change. When I saw a KS job posting for a digital and fine art teacher, I really felt like the stars aligned for me. The mission and vision are clear, and the school is very student-centered. I have never once worried about lack of support for the visual arts here, KS is driven by the desire to give their students voice and choice and that really resonates with my own personal goals as a teacher.
Recently, I was able to pursue a second master’s degree in education with the help of partial tuition reimbursement through KS. Plus KS offers b-credit classes and supports me taking continuing education classes in the arts so I can stay on top of ever-changing technologies. I have been able to learn and grow so much with KS’ support in the 6 years I've worked here, I can really see the difference in my classes and the support I am able to offer my students.”
“Being able to work in line with Pauahi’s mission is what motivates me as a KS employee. Being surrounded with like-minded team members puts into perspective the work we are doing for the lāhui and makes me feel like my work is meaningful. I’ve never worked at a company where the accounting team was highly regarded as important to the organization. But here at KS, our department is recognized by management for the work we do throughout the year which is so rewarding.
As a KS employee, the experience that stands out most for me is the various huaka‘i that our group has been able to be part of. Being in Finance in any company, you rarely get to see outside of your office! But KS offers huaka‘i opportunities for all staff to engage and contribute to Pauahi’s land as well as other organizations that KS partners with. Some of the service work that I’ve done through my time at KS was in the lo‘i, helped in the maintenance of the fishpond at Paepae O He‘eia, and community service with Kāko‘o ‘Ōiwi.”
“The thing I love most about working at Kamehameha Schools is the breadth of our organization. Not only are we dedicated to educating Native Hawaiians we are also dedicated to conserving Hawaii’s natural and historical resources, developing its economy, and improving its food security.
I am in the rare position where I get to tell our many stories and see first-hand all of the amazing work that we do. One week I may be photographing high school students DNA testing local produce to see if it is genetically modified, the next I may be capturing ceremonies welcoming indigenous French Polynesians to campus, the next I may be on ‘āina recording our partners efforts to save endangered species. I get to document all of these things and it makes my work interesting every day. I hope that by telling these stories I can show how our emplovees are dedicated to the mission and vision of Ke Ali‘i Pauahi and inspire others to support our mission as well.”
Our values bring us together
More than a job: The KS Community
KS culture: It’s a kākou effort
The mission of Kamehameha Schools, to deliver educational opportunities to Native Hawaiian learners and — even broader — to uplift our lāhui (people), is something that resonates with its employees. Whether you work with campus-based or community program learners, or in one of the many support groups such as IT, finance, research, administration, or communications that help bring our mission to life every day, we are all connected by the shared sense of purpose and camaraderie that comes with working together for something we believe in.
‘Ōlelo Kahua
E ola ka ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i! The language lives!
One of the goals in our strategic plan is to normalize ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i at KS. As part of that goal, KS introduced ‘Ōlelo Kahua, or Hawaiian Language Foundation classes, to staff in 2015. Those foundational classes were designed to teach staff useful and practical Hawaiian phrases, how to introduce themselves in Hawaiian, and basic pronunciation and vocabulary. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, ‘Ōlelo Kahua is now offered on Wednesdays, alternating between online and in-person formats. These sessions serve as a platform for staff to engage with colleagues and kumu in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i, fostering an understanding of language, culture, and the rich history of our land and people. ‘Ōlelo Kahua presents a professional and cultural development opportunity for staff and underscores Kamehameha Schools’ dedication to its identity as a high-performing Native Hawaiian institution.
Morning Wāhie
Kamehameha Schools has many beloved and time-honored traditions which hold a special place in our hearts. Among these is Wāhie, an optional gathering where the KS ‘ohana comes together to share uplifting music, inspirational mana‘o (thoughts), and prayer. Traditionally held each morning across all KS work locations, Wāhie is now accessible in both in-person and virtual formats, ensuring its continuity and inclusivity.
‘Ohina ki‘i (Photo gallery)
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Legacy of a Princess
Nurture the child and the lāhui thrives. Kamehameha Schools founder Ke Ali‘i Bernice Pauahi Bishop cared deeply for her people, the ʻāina of her birth, and her culture. Learn more about her enduring act of aloha and the legacy which is Kamehameha Schools.
