As the school year ends, we’re celebrating kumu across Kamehameha Schools who dedicate themselves to shaping the next generation of ʻōiwi leaders. In every classroom, they help fulfill Pauahi’s vision for an educated and thriving lāhui.
What inspired you to become a kumu at KS?
The inspiration to become a kumu happened by chance. I had initially directed my professional goals toward museum curation and art history preservation but, while waiting to begin a Master’s program in New Zealand, was given the opportunity to take on a temporary teaching role at a private school on Maui. My short experience with teaching made a huge impact on my idea of purpose and what I could see as a fulfilling lifetime profession.
My whole perspective changed, and it was that “aha” moment when you realize where you are meant to be. I feel that when you leave the door open, so many opportunities arise and that happened when I saw that Kamehameha Schools Maui was opening a high school campus and recruiting art teachers back in 2005. I feel so very blessed that I have been here at KSM for 21 years now and was one of the first high school art kumu to help develop a new program.
The art program here is a bit like a child that I have seen grow up and change in so many different ways and has given me so much more than I could ever have asked for. Through the professional development opportunities provided to the amazing haumāna (many of whom still keep in touch), every year I feel that this place that I have seen as a second home has truly given many blessings.
Tell us about a time you saw your haumāna use what they’ve learned to make a difference. What did that mean to you?
There are so many haumāna that are doing amazing things out in the world and that I am very proud of, however, recently I have had communication with one that is elevating culture and the plants from our environment in a very artful way. Noah Harders KSM’12 has been exhibited at the HOMA and has another upcoming exhibit at the MACC Shaeffer Gallery. In looking back to when he was a student here, I see that he is continuing to expand and innovate the artistic conversation that began when he was a young man. I now see confidence in who he is and what he believes in through his artwork, and as a kumu, you cannot ask for more than that.
What is something your haumāna have taught you about yourself?
My haumāna have given me many lessons. The one that stands out the most is that they have taught me to view the world from many different lenses. I have learned that teaching is not just about me passing on my knowledge, but it is an exchange between two people that form mutual respect for where the other comes from and is open to their views.
Where do you see Pauahi’s legacy most in your work?
I see Pauahiʻs legacy in every haumāna and the expectations that I hold for each of them. High expectations are held from the way that students treat one another in the classroom to the work ethic put forth in every lesson that we explore. I hope that Pauahi is also reflected in my own work ethic and sense of kuleana.
Shout out a fellow kumu who empowers their students every day!
A shout out goes to Kumu Ragsdale who is my art counterpart and a former art haumāna (class of 2006)! She has evolved into an amazing kumu that continues to grow her craft and connect with students every day! It has been an honor and a full-circle experience to work alongside such a dedicated and awesome educator!
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kumu appreciation,
our employee ʻohana,
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Kaipuolono Article, Regions, Maui, Moloka’i and Lana’i, Themes, Culture, Community, E Ola!, KS Announcements, Maui Newsroom, KS Maui Home, Newsroom, Maui, Alumni, Maui, Maui campus
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Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
