Kamehameha Schools is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural summer institutes tailored specifically for our dedicated preschool teacher assistants. This enriching professional development program is a testament to KS’ commitment to fostering excellence in early childhood education.
The Teacher Assistant Summer Institute is a three-day, place-based professional development experience. Four TASI were hosted on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui and Hawaiʻi Island between June 3 and 20, 2024. The trainings immersed kumu in the rich cultural and environmental context of their home islands, enhancing their educational practices through direct engagement with their surroundings.
Kumu start the day with protocol and pule at the Oʻahu TASI huakaʻi to Kalanianaʻole Beach in Nānākuli.
Kumu start the day with protocol and pule at the Oʻahu TASI huakaʻi to Kalanianaʻole Beach in Nānākuli.
Central to these seminars is the deepening of their understanding and application of the E Ola! framework. E Ola! is Kamehameha Schools’ educational philosophy, emphasizing holistic development, cultural grounding and academic excellence. By aligning the summer institute with E Ola!, KS Preschools aims to equip TAs with the skills and knowledge to foster a nurturing and culturally responsive learning environment.
“Together we look at the cultural framework, dissect it and make personal connections,” TASI facilitator Amy Kalawe said. “E Ola! is living.”
Participants engaged in a variety of interactive workshops and experiences designed to translate the principles of E Ola! into practical teaching strategies. These sessions covered areas such as culturally relevant pedagogy, social-emotional learning and innovative instructional techniques.
A highlight of the seminars were huakaʻi for kumu to explore significant wahi pana on their home islands, providing firsthand experiences that can be integrated into the classroom. Through these huakaʻi, participants gained a deeper appreciation for the local heritage and environment, fostering a sense of connection and responsibility they can impart to their haumāna. On their respective islands, kumu visited Alekoko Loko Iʻa and Wailua on Kauaʻi, Nā Wai ʻEhā, Waiheʻe Sand Dunes, and Kaʻehu Bay on Maui, as well as Kahaluʻu ma Kai in west Hawaiʻi.
Mele Nane
E hoʻomākaukau, pā!
Kuʻu lei hala, ʻo Kohala!
Kuʻu makani Kona, ʻo Kona!
Kuʻu lua ʻūʻu, ʻō Kaʻū!
Oʻu mau kupuna, ʻo Puna!
Kuʻu aho hilo loa, ʻo Hilo!
Oʻu mau mākua, ʻo Hāmākua!
Kaʻapuni ka moku o Hawaiʻi
— Source: Mary Kawena Pukui
On Oʻahu, kumu paddled outrigger canoes with the Leeward Canoe Club, cleared invasive plants and fished out over 100 invasive tilapia from the muliwai at Kalanianaʻole Beach in Nānākuli with community partners Mālama Learning Center and KUPU.
Many kumu say they gained much more than what they had imagined when they signed up. Beyond the educational content, TASI aims to build pilina by bringing together TAs from different regions, the institute facilitates networking, collaboration and sharing of best practices. This community-building aspect is essential for sustaining the momentum of professional growth and ensuring the continuous improvement of educational practices across all 30 KS Preschools. In a lāʻī lei making workshop, kumu worked together to twist separate lāʻī together – a physical representation of their goal to work together for a common purpose with intention.
Candice Guzman (left) enjoyed the opportunities for fellowship provided by TASI, saying “I learned great moʻolelo and got to fellowship with kumu from different regions. I need to retain the ʻike, so when I go back, I can share with our team.”
Candice Guzman (left) enjoyed the opportunities for fellowship provided by TASI, saying “I learned great moʻolelo and got to fellowship with kumu from different regions. I need to retain the ʻike, so when I go back, I can share with our team.”
“It’s been really amazing! I’ve gotten so many ideas on things to do with keiki in the classroom, both through the lessons shared and through inspiration received to develop new lessons,” Heʻeia preschool kumu Shay Gaudian shared. “It is absolutely so useful to live what we teach. We are E Ola!”
“The connections that have been made are profound. There were moments when we got so emotional. It’s so nice to have these moments to build pilina and work together.”
When sharing reflections on the last day of TASI, Kona-based kumu Ayzha Haili shared “Each day there was at least one thing that took us outside of our comfort zones, sharing out loud and getting deep. I learned I can challenge myself, even though it’s scary. I can do it!”
The KS Preschools Teacher Assistant Summer Institute represents a significant investment in the professional development of teacher assistants. By enhancing their skills and fostering a deeper connection to E Ola!, KS is committed to enriching the preschool experience for both kumu and keiki. This initiative not only supports the professional growth of TAs but also strengthens the foundation of early childhood education within KS, ensuring a brighter future for Hawaiʻi's keiki.
Hoʻomaikaʻi to our 39 KS Preschools kumu for completing the inaugural Teacher Assistant Summer Institutes!
Hawai'i Island cohort
Kaua'i cohort
Maui cohort
TAGS
ks preschools,employee engagement,training,e ola educators
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Kaipuolono Article, Regions, Kaua’i and Ni’ihau, Wai’anae Coast, ‘Ewa, Waialua, Kona, O’ahu, Ko’olau, Maui, Moloka’i and Lana’i, West Hawai’i, East Hawai’i, Themes, Culture, Community, Employee ‘Ohana, Ka ʻohana Kamehameha, KS Announcements, Newsroom, Preschools, Oiwi Leaders
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