Nae’ole-Wong selected as new Assistant Head of School for KS Hawai’i

May 22, 2013

Contributed by Shaun Chillingworth

"Kāhealani is an exemplary educator who brings a wealth of teaching, curriculum development and instructional leadership experience to her new position," said KS Hawai'i po'o kula Dr. Holoua Stender.

"She is a fluent Hawaiian language speaker and cultural expert. She currently serves on The Principals' Center Board at the Harvard Graduate School of Education which supports the development of school leaders who influence the quality of a school.

"Together with her kula ha'aha'a kumu, Kāhealani has made it a priority to support the development of the whole child by focusing on creating the conditions where children thrive – through the development of a standards-based curriculum, culturally relevant teaching, use of technology to make global connections and most importantly, pilina (relationships)."

A new position, the Assistant Head of School is a campus leadership position reporting directly to the Head of School. The Assistant Head of School works with the KSH campus, senior educational and community organization leaders to implement, monitor and assess the strategic direction of the campus.

"In her new position, Kāhealani will lead K through 12 campus curricular efforts associated with the Working Exit Outcomes (WEO) framework, Standards Based Kula Hawai'i and the Danielson Framework," said Dr. Stender.

"She will also work with KSH and tri-campus administrators and kumu to create a curriculum development infrastructure and build K-12 capacity for integration of kula Hawai'i (Hawaiian School) and 21st century skills. It will be an honor to work with Kāhealani in the coming years."

"I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as the hope po'o kula for KS Hawai'i and look forward to fostering a thriving culture of growth and learning for all who call KS Hawai'i home," said Nae'ole-Wong.

"It has been a privilege to work alongside a dedicated and talented team of students, families, faculty, staff, and leaders who exemplify Ke Ali'i Pauahi's vision of academic, social, spiritual and cultural excellence."

Nae'ole-Wong has served the KS Hawai'i 'ohana since 2003, first as a High School Career Academy coordinator and most recently serving as po'o kumu for the kula ha'aha'a over the past eight years. Prior to joining KSH, Nae'ole-Wong served as the vice principal for Waiākea Elementary, Mountain View Elementary and Waiākea High School and in various capacities with Ke Kula Kaiapuni Hawai'i.

A graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, Nae'ole-Wong received her B.A. in Hawaiian Studies from the University of Hawai'i –Hilo, and two M.Ed. degrees in Curriculum and Instruction and Education Administration (K-12) from the University of Hawai'i – Mānoa.

When asked about the work she's accomplished thus far and what she looks to build upon, Nae'ole-Wong responded, "I hope to build on a strong foundation to support our kamali'i (children) and 'ōpio (youth) to flourish as well as serve and inspire local and global communities through a culturally Hawaiian perspective."

Nae'ole-Wong will officially begin as hope po'o kula on July 1, 2013. Recruitment for a new kula ha'aha'a po'o kumu will begin shortly.